Detachable Plug Connection With Sliding Securing Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing detachable plug-in connections for hose couplings are costly to produce and prone to leaks due to high loads, as they rely on complex plastic injection molding and are not easily lockable or stable.

Innovation Solution

A plug-in connection design featuring a sleeve-shaped securing element that axially encloses a connecting element, converting axial sliding into opening movements of retaining edges, ensuring secure grip even under high loads, and incorporating a securing cap to prevent unintentional disengagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex plastic injection molding is used for connecting elements, then the connection can be produced with coordinated parts, but the production effort and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidproduction effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting element is divided into a body portion and separate retaining edges that can be bent into position. This segmentation allows the main body to be produced by simple injection molding while the retaining edges are formed separately and attached, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining edges are designed to be elastically deformable, allowing them to be bent open for insertion and then spring back to engage with the retaining projection. This dynamic property enables simple attachment methods while ensuring secure connection under load, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If hard-elastic material is used for connecting element, then retaining edges can be springed open for assembly, but the material is prone to breaking under excessive loads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidload resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting element combines a rigid body portion made of injection-molded plastic with separate retaining edges that have elastic properties. This composite structure allows the rigid body to resist breaking under excessive loads while the elastic retaining edges provide easy spring-loaded assembly, resolving the contradiction between assembly ease and load resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of manufacture

If retaining edges are made bendable for engagement, then the connection can be assembled by pressing, but the connecting element may break under transverse loads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidconnection durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting element is segmented into a rigid body and separate retaining edges. The rigid body provides structural strength to resist transverse loads and prevents breaking, while the separate retaining edges maintain their bendability for simple press-fit assembly. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between assembly simplicity and connection durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Strength

If a securing element is added to prevent bending open, then connection stability under load improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload resistanceVSAvoidcomponent quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The securing element is merged with the connecting element itself, forming an integrated structure where the securing function is built into the connecting element's design rather than being a separate additional component. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining the ability to prevent bending open under load, resolving the contradiction between load resistance and component quantity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 reduces production effort and cost while providing a stable, lockable, and loadable connection that remains secure under high loads and prevents leaks, with a clear indication of the connection status.

Implementation Method 1

in the release position the axial sliding movement of the securing element can be converted into an opening movement of the retaining edge(s) oriented transversely thereto

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical movement conversion:

Implementation Method 2

in the securing position the securing element encompasses the connecting element at least in a bending or pivoting area in such a way that bending up of the connecting element in the area of the holding edges is prevented

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical constraint:

Data Source

PatentEP2802801B1Detachable plug connection
Publication Date: 2015.10.14 NEOPERL GMBH
  • EP2802801B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP2802801B1 patent drawingFigure 6~11
  • EP2802801B1 patent drawingFigure 12~14

AI summary

The invention relates to a detachable plug connection (1) comprising a tubular insert piece (2) which supports at least one retaining projection (3) on its external circumference, a sleeve-shaped receiving piece (4), the interior of which is used to insert the tubular insert piece (2), and a connection element (5) which is connected to the receiving piece (4) on which at least one retaining edge (6, 7), which is directed inwards and can be bent or pivoted upwards, engages behind the retaining projection (3) after pushing in the insert piece (2). According to the invention, said connection also comprises a sleeve-shaped securing element (8) which surrounds the connection element (5) in a sliding manner such that the securing element (8) can be displaced between a release position, in which the axial sliding movement of the securing element (8) can be transformed into an opening movement of the retaining edge(s) (6, 7) oriented transversally thereto, and a securing position, in which the securing element (8) surrounds the connection element (5) such that the connection element (5) cannot be bent upwards in the region of the retaining edge(s) (6, 7) and such that the connection element (5) projects at least in parts above the securing element (8), in an intermediate or coupling position of the securing element (8) in such a manner that the retaining edge(s) (6, 7) can be bent upwards when the retaining projection (3) on the insert piece (2) is pushed in.