Fluid Line Coupling Locking Mechanism Against False Connection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid line couplings often fail to ensure a secure connection due to friction effects on sealing elements, leading to incorrect appearances of connection that can detach during use.
Innovation Solution
A coupling design featuring a receiving element, a securing element, and retaining elements that interact to prevent incorrect connections by ensuring the securing element only moves to a locking position when the insertion element is correctly positioned, with features like radially outward displacement of retaining elements and a latching device for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple insertion connection is used for fluid lines, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of the connection deteriorates due to friction effects on sealing elements causing false connection appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a securing element as an intermediary component between the insertion element and the receiving element. This securing element features a securing portion that engages with a retaining element only when the insertion element is correctly positioned, providing mechanical verification of proper connection and eliminating false connection appearances caused by friction effects on sealing elements alone
Solution Approach 2:
The securing element is designed to perform a preliminary verification action before final connection is considered complete. The securing portion must first engage with the retaining element in a predefined position, which serves as a preliminary check that the insertion element has been correctly inserted, before the connection can be fully secured
2Reliability
If a securing mechanism with separate retaining element is added, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the securing element: it serves as both a positioning guide for the insertion element and a mechanical latch through its securing portion that engages with the retaining element. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining high connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling is segmented into distinct functional elements (receiving element, insertion element, securing element, retaining element) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. The retaining element is formed separately from the securing element, allowing for simplified manufacturing of each component while achieving reliable connection through their interaction
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling comprising a receiving element, a securing element, a retaining element and an insertion element, wherein the securing element is adapted to be displaceable between a release position and a locking position along a displacement axis, the securing element being adapted to engage the at least one retaining element in such a manner that a displacement of the securing element from the release position in the direction of the locking position is prevented, and wherein the insertion element is adapted to interact with the at least one retaining element upon insertion of the insertion element into the receiving space of the receiving element in such a way that a displacement of the securing element from the release position into the locking position is enabled.