Corrugated Pipe Connection Assembly With Integrated Locking Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection arrangements for corrugated tubes are costly due to locking and support mechanisms, prone to incorrect operation, and susceptible to damage.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece connection arrangement with a locking element carrier that integrates a locking unit and base body, featuring a spring arm with a latch projection and a film hinge, allowing for a reliable and user-friendly assembly process without sealing elements, and includes a locking mechanism for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If locking and support mechanisms are used to secure the locking element carrier to the base body, then the connection strength is improved, but the manufacturing costs increase and the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking unit and base body are merged into a single integrally formed component, eliminating the need for separate locking and support mechanisms. The locking elements are directly formed as part of the locking unit structure, which is injection molded as one piece with the base body, thereby reducing component count and complexity while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking unit is segmented into functional elements (locking elements, contact surfaces, pivot connection) that are integrally formed but spatially distributed to perform different functions. This allows the complex locking function to be achieved through a unified structure rather than multiple separate mechanisms.
2Force
If multiple contact elements are used to transmit force between the locking element carrier and the base body, then the force transmission is improved, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple contact elements are merged into a single continuous contact surface on the locking element carrier. This contact surface engages with the counter-contact surface of the base body to transmit forces, eliminating the need for multiple discrete contact elements while maintaining force transmission capability and simplifying manufacturing.
3Reliability
If separate locking components are used, then the locking function is achieved, but the user-friendliness decreases as users must ensure all components are available during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The locking unit and base body are combined into a single integrally formed component, so users only need to handle one piece during assembly rather than multiple separate components. This eliminates the burden of ensuring all parts are available and correctly assembled, significantly improving user-friendliness while maintaining the locking function.
4Strength
If traditional locking mechanisms are used, then the connection is secure, but the manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is integrated into the base body through injection molding, creating a single-piece component that eliminates the need for separate manufactured parts. This integral construction reduces manufacturing steps, assembly operations, and associated costs while maintaining connection security through the engineered locking geometry.
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
Ensures reliable operation, reduces manufacturing costs, and enhances user-friendliness by eliminating the need for separate components and providing secure, non-destructive locking.
Implementation Method 1
Each locking element can, in particular, comprise a spring arm which is connected at one longitudinal end to the locking element carrier and has a latch projection at its other longitudinal end
Implementation Method 2
The connection between the locking unit and the base body can, in particular, form a film hinge
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Connection arrangement (10) for connection to a corrugated tube, comprising a base body (14) with a central passage (14a) opening into a receiving recess (14b) provided at one end of the base body (14), wherein the receiving recess (14b) is designed to receive the corrugated tube which can be inserted along an insertion direction, and a locking unit (16) with a locking element carrier (18) and a plurality of locking elements (20) formed integrally with the locking element carrier (18), wherein the locking element carrier (18) is designed as a slotted ring, wherein the locking unit (16) comprises a base element (22) which is integrally connected with the locking element carrier (18), wherein the base element (22) has at least one contact surface (26) directed in the insertion direction and/or at least one contact surface directed against the insertion direction, each of which can be brought into force transmission engagement with an associated counter-contact surface of the base body (14). is/are,and wherein the locking element carrier (18) has a contact surface (34) on the side facing away from the locking elements (20), which can be brought into force-transmitting contact with an associated counter-contact surface of the base body (14).