Fluid Connector Locking Element Prevents Unintentional Detachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for media lines, such as fuel lines, require a large amount of space and are prone to unintentional detachment due to complex designs, with separate protective caps that can be lost.
Innovation Solution
A compact connector design featuring a locking element that blocks or releases the latching mechanism for secure and easy manual actuation, using a C-shaped or ring-shaped locking element that encloses the plug shank and interacts with latching arms to provide different insertion and release forces, ensuring secure connection without the need for a separate protective cap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate protective cap is used to prevent unintentional detachment, then reliability against unintentional loosening is improved, but device complexity increases and the protective cap is subject to risk of loss
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function is merged into the locking element itself. The locking element comprises a blocking section that can block the actuating sections of the latching arms, preventing unintentional detachment without requiring a separate protective cap. This integration eliminates the risk of losing a separate protective cap while maintaining the protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element serves multiple functions: it provides the locking mechanism through latching arms, and simultaneously provides protection against unintentional detachment through its blocking section. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate protective cap, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Ease of operation
If manual actuation space is increased for releasing the latching mechanism, then ease of operation is improved, but volume of the connector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating sections of the latching arms are arranged to extend in different spatial directions. At least one actuating section extends in a direction that is not parallel to the plug-in axis, allowing manual actuation from multiple directions. This dimensional arrangement provides adequate manual actuation space without increasing the overall connector volume, as the actuation space is utilized within the existing three-dimensional structure.
3Reliability
If the locking mechanism is designed with high security against unintentional loosening, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation for manual release deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed with movable blocking sections that can be dynamically repositioned. The blocking sections can block the actuating sections of the latching arms to prevent unintentional loosening, but can also be moved out of the way to allow intentional release. This dynamic design maintains high security during normal operation while enabling easy manual release when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element acts as an intermediary between the latching arms and the external environment. Its blocking sections mediate between the need for security (blocking unintentional actuation) and the need for ease of operation (allowing intentional actuation). The blocking sections can be designed to respond to deliberate manual force while blocking incidental movements, thus resolving the contradiction between security and ease of operation.
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 compact design ensures secure connection with easy handling, preventing unintentional loosening and reducing the risk of the locking mechanism being accidentally activated, while minimizing space requirements and eliminating the risk of losing a protective cap.
Implementation Method 1
two integrally formed latching arms as latching means. The locking arms extend on diametrically opposite sides of the plug part with their free, radially elastically movable ends
Data Source
Figure 1~6
Figure 7~8b
Figure 9~13
AI summary
The connecting system for fuel pipes comprises a connector pipe (4) which fits into a socket (16) on a second connector (2). It is held in position by resilient peripheral ribs (30) which fit into corresponding grooves (32) on the inside of the socket.