Coupling System With Segmented Snap-In Locking Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional coupling systems for hoses and connection sockets require significant effort and risk damage due to the need to deflect multiple latching elements against their elasticity during assembly.

Innovation Solution

A coupling system with a separate snap-in element that passes through an opening in the connecting element, using a groove on the connecting piece for axial engagement and locking, eliminating the need to expand locking elements, and featuring a latching unit with C-shaped elements for enhanced stability and anti-twist protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple latching elements are used to secure the connecting element, then the connection stability is improved, but the assembly effort increases and the risk of damage rises

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidassembly effort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The latching mechanism is segmented into multiple independent latching elements distributed around the circumference. Each latching element can engage independently with corresponding grooves on the connecting piece, providing stable connection through multiple discrete engagement points rather than a single complex latch.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of expanding the latching elements against their elastic restoring force during assembly (conventional approach), the patent inverts the approach by allowing the latching elements to be inserted in a relaxed state and then locked into position by the groove geometry and locking elements, eliminating the need to overcome elastic resistance during the assembly motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If multiple latching elements are deflected against elastic restoring force during assembly, then the locking connection is secured, but the risk of damaging locking elements increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking connection securityVSAvoiddamage risk to locking elements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The latching elements are inserted into the connecting element in a relaxed, un-deflected state before the final locking action. The groove geometry and locking elements are pre-positioned to guide and secure the latching elements after insertion, eliminating the need to deflect them against elastic force during the critical assembly phase and thereby preventing damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The groove structure acts as an intermediary between the latching elements and the connecting piece. The groove geometry provides a path that guides the latching elements into their final locked position without requiring direct forceful engagement against elastic restoring forces, thereby protecting the locking elements from damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If locking elements are pushed onto the connecting piece end, then the connecting element is secured, but significant force is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnecting element securityVSAvoidassembly force required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The conventional approach of pushing locking elements against elastic restoring force is inverted. Instead, the latching elements are inserted in a relaxed state and the groove geometry combined with locking elements provides the securing action, eliminating the need to apply significant force during assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The groove structure and locking elements are designed to automatically secure the latching elements in their correct position after insertion. The geometry of the groove and locking elements creates a self-locking mechanism that secures the connecting element without requiring external force beyond the initial insertion motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2012052B1Coupling system

Publication Date: 2011.11.02 FRANKISCHE ROHRWERKE GEBR KIRCHNER GMBH & CO KG

Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5

AI summary

The system (10) has a connecting element (14) provided at connection ends of a tube (12) and fixable in an axial direction of the tube using a locking connection. A locking element is separately formed from a connection piece (18) and the connection element to establish the connection. The locking element penetrates through an opening of the connection element in a mounted condition and stays in axial engagement with a groove, which extends in a circumferential direction of a connection piece. The locking element is engaged at the connection piece and/or at the connecting element.