Plug-In Connector Retaining Clip With Flush Locking Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for hose and pipe connections, such as those in the VOSS connector system, face issues with the retaining clip being easily released from its holding position, leading to potential loosening of the plug connection and uncertainty about the complete insertion of the plug part, which can result in incorrect retention.
Innovation Solution
A retaining clip design with two pairs of diametrically opposed spring arms, where one pair serves as latching arms and the other pair indicates the connection status and locks the clip in its positions, ensuring it can only be moved into the retaining position when the plug part is fully inserted, thus preventing accidental release and indicating proper insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the retaining clip is designed as a spring-elastic ring with operating levers for radial movement, then the plug connection can be established and released, but the retaining clip cannot be locked in its holding position and can be opened relatively easily, leading to erroneous loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining clip is segmented into two pairs of diametrically opposed spring arms instead of a continuous ring. One pair (first pair) serves as latching arms for securing the plug part, while the other pair (second pair) functions as locking arms with locking protrusions that engage with locking recesses in the coupling part. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each pair's function, providing both ease of operation and reliable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining clip is designed to perform multiple functions through its two pairs of spring arms: the first pair provides latching functionality for plug retention, while the second pair provides locking functionality to prevent accidental release. Additionally, the protruding position of the second pair serves as a visual indicator for insertion status. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms while improving reliability.
2Productivity
If the retaining clip is moved into the retaining position without proper plug insertion, then the connector appears connected, but the plug part is not correctly retained, leading to undetected incorrect assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The second pair of spring arms is designed to protrude from the outer circumference of the coupling part when the plug part is correctly inserted and locked. This protruding position provides immediate visual feedback to the operator that the connection is proper. If the plug is not fully inserted, the second pair cannot engage the locking recesses and will not protrude, preventing false indication of correct assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism requires the plug part to be fully inserted into the coupling part before the retaining clip can be moved into its retaining position. The geometry of the locking protrusions and recesses ensures that proper engagement can only occur when the plug is correctly positioned. This preliminary verification action prevents incorrect assembly from being completed.
3Reliability
If a separate locking element is added to prevent retaining clip release, then assembly safety is improved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining clip is designed to perform multiple functions through its two pairs of spring arms: the first pair provides latching functionality for plug retention, while the second pair provides locking functionality to prevent accidental release. Additionally, the protruding position of the second pair serves as a visual indicator for insertion status. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate locking mechanisms while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function that would traditionally require a separate locking element is merged into the retaining clip itself through the second pair of spring arms. These arms integrate the locking mechanism directly into the existing retaining structure, eliminating additional components while providing the same safety function. The locking protrusions on the second pair engage with corresponding recesses in the coupling part, creating a integrated locking system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively locks the retaining clip in its positions, preventing accidental release and ensuring correct insertion, eliminating the need for additional components and providing a plug-in indicator for proper connection status, while maintaining simplicity in production and assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a radially slotted retaining clip which is at least partially resilient and has at least two latching arms, which is attached to the coupling part by radially latching the latching arms
Implementation Method 2
The resilient force of the ring holds the ring in the holding position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The invention relates to a plug connector comprising a coupling part (2) having an outer circumference (5a) and having a receiving opening (10), into which a plug part having a plug shaft having a collar can be inserted in an insertion direction (SR), and comprising a radially slotted holding clamp (3) which is resilient, at least in some areas, and has at least two latching arms (15a, 15b), which can be pre-assembled on the coupling part (2) by latching the latching arms (15a, 15b) radially with the coupling part (2), and which can be moved radially between an insertion position for the plug part and a holding position for the plug part, wherein the plug part can be inserted into the receiving opening (10) by the holding clamp (3) in the insertion position, and wherein in the insertion position the plugged-in plug part and the collar thereof can be blocked in the holding position in the receiving opening (10) by means of the holding clamp (3) against being pulled out, and wherein in the insertion position the holding clamp (3) is held locked in such a way that the holding clamp (3) projects with respect to the outer circumference (5a) of the coupling part (2), and that in the holding position the holding clamp (3) is held locked in such a way that the holding clamp (3) ends flush with the outer circumference (5a) of the coupling part (2).