Fluid Connector Locking Sleeve With Rotatable Release Guard
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid connection elements in vehicles have significant space requirements, increased dead weight, and are costly, often requiring complex assembly, and may unintentionally release connections, especially in accidents.
Innovation Solution
A fluid connection element with a rotatable outer sleeve that can be switched between a securing and release position, featuring a locking sleeve and actuating element to prevent accidental disengagement, using a deformable locking mechanism and radially displaceable arms for secure locking and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional fluid connection elements are used, then fluid connections can be established, but they have significant space requirements and increased dead weight
Solution Approach 1:
The locking sleeve is arranged inside the receiving piece in an axially displaceable manner, and the actuating element is integrated within the locking sleeve structure. This nested arrangement allows multiple functional components to occupy the same spatial envelope, significantly reducing the overall volume and dead weight of the fluid connection element while maintaining all necessary locking and actuating functions
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional fluid connection elements are used, then connections can be made, but they are costly and require complex assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid connection element is divided into distinct functional segments: the receiving piece with locking elements, the axially displaceable locking sleeve with its own locking elements, and the integrated actuating element. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard processes and then assembled through simple axial displacement, reducing both manufacturing cost and assembly complexity compared to monolithic conventional designs
3Reliability
If conventional locking mechanisms are used, then connections can be secured, but they may unintentionally release connections, especially in accidents
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static conventional design to a dynamic system where the locking sleeve can be axially displaced to different positions. In the retracted position, locking elements engage to secure the connection with high reliability. When the actuating element is operated, the locking sleeve displaces axially to release the locking elements, allowing intentional disconnection. This dynamic behavior provides both secure locking during normal operation and controlled release when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating element serves as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the locking sleeve. It translates user input into axial displacement of the locking sleeve, which in turn controls the engagement and disengagement of the locking elements. This intermediary structure ensures that connection release requires deliberate user action rather than occurring unintentionally, while still maintaining ease of operation through the simple actuating mechanism
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
Ensures secure and intentional disengagement of fluid connections, preventing unintentional loosening, even under stress conditions like accidents, while maintaining compactness and reducing assembly complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The locking sleeve (111) has a locking element (113) which is designed to lock the connecting piece (101) received in the locking sleeve (111)
Implementation Method 2
The locking element (113) can be deformed radially outwards during insertion of the connecting piece (101) along an insertion direction (149) through contact with the connecting piece projection (147)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a fluid connection element (100) for establishing a fluid connection by means of a connecting piece (101), comprising a receiving piece (103) for receiving the connecting piece (101), a locking sleeve (111) which is axially displaceable in the receiving piece (103) and is designed to receive the connecting piece (101), wherein the locking sleeve (111) has a locking element (113) which is designed to lock the connecting piece (101) received in the locking sleeve (111), an actuating element (125, 125-1, 125-2, 125-3) which is designed to lock the locking sleeve (111) for releasing the locking so that the connecting piece (101) can be led out of the locking sleeve (111), and a rotatable outer sleeve (135). which rotatably surrounds the receiving nozzle (103) and provides a release position for actuating the actuating element (125, 125-1, 125-2,125-3) for releasing the locking mechanism and a locking position to prevent the locking mechanism from being released by the actuating element (125, 125-1, 125-2, 125-3), wherein the rotatable outer sleeve (135) is rotatable between the release position and the locking position.