Coupling Retaining Device with Spring Arm Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for fixing couplings to a carrier part require pre-connection of the two parts, which is not feasible in all applications and poses a risk of unintentional loosening.
Innovation Solution
A device with a plug-in part designed to be fixed by pushing it between side parts and locking a collar with a locking element, allowing the push-on part to be connected without risk of the plug-in part being dislodged, utilizing a ratchet mechanism and spring arms for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the two parts of the coupling are connected beforehand, then the coupling can be fixed to the carrier, but this is not feasible in all applications and increases the risk of unintentional loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is divided into two separate parts (plug-in part with collar and push-on part) that can be handled independently. The plug-in part is first secured to the carrier between the side parts, and then the push-on part is connected to it, allowing flexible assembly without requiring pre-connection of both coupling parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug-in part with collar is preliminarily fixed to the carrier by pushing it between the side parts before the push-on part is connected. This preliminary fixation prevents unintentional loosening and ensures the plug-in part remains securely positioned during subsequent connection operations.
2Reliability
If the plug-in part is fixed between side parts with a locking mechanism, then unintentional loosening is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to automatically engage with the collar of the plug-in part when the plug-in part is pushed between the side parts. The spring element provides automatic locking action without requiring additional manual operations or complex control mechanisms, achieving reliable fixation while maintaining relatively simple structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar on the plug-in part serves as an intermediary element that enables the locking element to engage and secure the plug-in part between the side parts. This intermediary structure simplifies the overall locking mechanism by providing a dedicated engagement point rather than requiring complex direct locking between multiple components.
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
Enables reliable connection of the push-on part to the plug-in part without prior connection, ensuring the plug-in part remains secured, facilitating easy installation and removal while preventing unintentional loosening.
Implementation Method 1
a spring arm (20) is formed from each top wall (18) via an L-shaped opening (19), the flexion zone (21) of which is located on the side of the holding arrangement (9) facing the insertion side (14)
Implementation Method 2
Each coupling 1 has an insertion part 2 and a slide-on part 4 that can be slid onto the insertion part 2 and locked with it via a ratchet mechanism 3
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
For fastening a coupling (1) formed from one plug-in part (2) and one sliding part (4) to a carrier part, a retaining arrangement (9) constructed of at least one side part (10, 11 ) from each opposite side is proposed. Each of the side parts (10, 11 ) has a spring arm (20) to which a bracket (23) is attached that grips the shaped collar (6) of the plug-in part (2) from behind in such a way that the collar (6), after pushing in the plug-in part (2) from the entry side (14), is in contact with a termination rib (24). Thus the plug-in part (2) is left fixed on the carrier part without both parts (2, 4) of the coupling (1) having to be plugged together when the sliding part (4) is slid.