Fluid Connector Sleeve Locking for Secure Mating Connector Insertion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The anti-release device in existing connectors can unintentionally detach from its latched position during transport and assembly, causing insertion issues and potential damage due to the need for high forces, which is not reliably prevented from releasing into a second latched position.
Innovation Solution
The connector features hook-shaped latching projections on the sleeve that engage with latching recesses in the peripheral wall, and second locking cams with an actuating projection that displace within locking recesses upon insertion, allowing the anti-release device to be released from its positive latching position, ensuring secure engagement and preventing unintentional release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the anti-release device uses simple latching tongues without additional securing features, then the device structure remains simple, but the anti-release device can unintentionally detach from its latched position during transport and assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is divided into two independent systems: latching tongues for basic positioning and hook-shaped latching extensions for securing against unintentional release. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without compromising the other, solving the contradiction between reliability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook-shaped latching extensions are pre-positioned to engage with latching recesses before the connector is fully assembled or transported. This preliminary securing action prevents unintentional detachment during subsequent handling, thereby improving reliability without requiring complex additional mechanisms.
2Reliability
If the anti-release device is secured with hook-shaped latching projections engaging latching recesses, then unintentional release is prevented, but the device cannot be released for shift into the second latched position
Solution Approach 1:
The second locking cams act as intermediary elements that mediate between the insertion force and the hook-shaped latching extensions. When the mating connector is inserted, the second locking cams are displaced within the locking recesses, providing a controlled mechanism to release the hook-shaped extensions and enable position shift, thus maintaining both security and operability.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching system transitions from a static secured state (hook-shaped extensions engaged in latching recesses) to a dynamic release state (second locking cams displacing the extensions) and finally to a new static state (second latched position). This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain reliability while enabling necessary operational changes.
3Reliability
If the hook-shaped latching projections are rigidly fixed, then positive latching is achieved, but permanent stress and aging cause relaxation and loss of latching capability
Solution Approach 1:
The wall height of the sleeve in the area of the hook-shaped latching extensions is specifically designed to allow the free ends to engage in a gap between the annular collar and socket part in the second latched position. This geometric parameter change provides a stress-relief mechanism that maintains positive latching capability while preventing permanent stress accumulation, thereby extending service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The design anticipates potential stress accumulation by providing a gap engagement position where the hook-shaped extensions can relax. This beforehand cushioning prevents stress-related degradation before it occurs, ensuring long-term reliability of the latching mechanism throughout its service life.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~6a
Figure 7~10
AI summary
The present invention relates to a connector (1) for connecting at least one fluid line to another fluid line or a unit connection, comprising a housing with a through-channel, wherein one end of the housing is designed as a socket section (3) for inserting a mating connector (14), and has locking means comprising at least two locking arms (10) for releasably fixing the mating connector (14), wherein the locking means are part of an adapter sleeve (7) which is held in the socket section (3) by means of radially elastic positive locking elements (29), and wherein a release lock (60) in the form of a sleeve (61) is slidably arranged on the outer circumference of the socket section (3) between two locking positions, wherein the sleeve (61) has locking projections (70) on its edge facing opposite to the insertion direction Z.which engage in the locking recesses (30) of the sleeve section (3) in a first locking position and are positively locked against the insertion direction Z, and second locking cams (29c) of the positive locking elements (29) have an actuating projection (71) such that, by inserting the mating connector (14), the second locking cams (29c) can be displaced by a displacement dimension (d) within the respective locking recess (30) in such a way that the hook-shaped locking projections (70) are released from their positive locking position.