Coupling Head Integral Latching for Pneumatic Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling heads for pneumatically connecting towing vehicles and trailers face challenges in manufacturing and assembly, particularly with screw connections which increase manufacturing effort and may fail under stress, and locking rings which introduce additional components and play, affecting sealing and durability.
Innovation Solution
A coupling head design featuring a latching or locking element and shoulder formed integrally with the closure element and housing, allowing for a secure, simple assembly and disassembly without the need for additional securing means, using a bayonet connection or latching/blocking connection that can be released via elastic deformation without damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw connections are used to secure the closure element to the housing, then the connection can be firmly fixed, but the manufacturing effort increases and thread failure may occur under stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the closure element and housing into a single integrally formed component. The closure element is formed as an integral extension of the housing, eliminating the need for separate securing mechanisms like screw connections. This integration resolves the contradiction by removing threads entirely (reducing manufacturing effort and thread failure risk) while maintaining connection reliability through the monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the thread structure from the design. By removing the need for threaded connections between closure element and housing, the invention eliminates the source of thread failure under stress while also reducing manufacturing complexity. The closure function is achieved through the integral formation rather than through threaded fastening.
2Reliability
If locking rings are used to secure the closure element, then additional securing is provided, but additional components are introduced and play affects sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the closure element with the housing into a single integrally formed component. This eliminates locking rings and other separate securing components, reducing device complexity while maintaining sealing reliability through the monolithic construction that prevents play and ensures consistent sealing contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes locking rings from the component assembly. By eliminating this separate securing component, the invention reduces the number of parts and potential sources of play, thereby improving sealing reliability while simplifying the overall device structure.
3Strength
If additional securing means are used to fasten the closure element, then the connection is strengthened, but assembly and disassembly effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the closure element and housing into a single integrally formed component made of plastic material. This integration provides inherent connection strength through the monolithic structure while eliminating the need for separate securing means, thereby simplifying assembly and disassembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates additional securing means from the design. By removing separate fastening components, the invention reduces assembly and disassembly effort while maintaining connection strength through the integral formation of the closure element with the housing.
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 design enhances manufacturing efficiency, reduces the risk of thread failure, eliminates the need for additional components, and ensures a secure seal, while allowing for easy maintenance and replacement of components, maintaining operational reliability under vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
The latching or blocking element and the shoulder are formed integrally with the closure element and the housing, in which the latching or blocking element of the housing or the closure element engages behind the shoulder of the closure element or the housing
Data Source
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AI summary
A coupling head (1) for the pneumatic connection of a towing vehicle and a trailer, or for the pneumatic connection of two trailers, comprises a housing (2), a chamber (5) arranged in the housing (2), and a component arranged in the chamber (5). An opening (49) of the chamber (5) is closed by a locking element (50) which is mounted on the housing (2) forming a latching or locking connection (67, 93). In the latching or locking connection (67, 93), a latching or locking element (68, 89) engages a projection or shoulder (69). The latching or locking element (68, 89) and the projection or shoulder (69) are integrally formed with the locking element (50) or the housing (2).