Fluid Line Coupling with Two-Stage Locking and Visual Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid coupling apparatuses lack reliability in ensuring a secure final assembly position and detecting complete coupling, which can lead to misconnections and increased assembly complexity.
Innovation Solution
A fluid coupling apparatus featuring a tubular socket element with a locking sleeve that displaces to fix a pre-assembly position, a tubular plug element with a retaining groove, and a biased retaining element that locks into the groove in the final assembly position, allowing for easy optical detection of complete connection and providing transport safety through anti-loss mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a locking sleeve is used to fix the pre-assembly position, then the assembly process is simplified and transport safety is improved, but the reliability of ensuring a secure final assembly position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking sleeve is used to fix the pre-assembly position in advance, ensuring transport safety and simplifying the assembly process. This preliminary action prevents premature engagement of the retaining element, ensuring that the coupling only completes in the intended final position.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining element acts as an intermediary mechanism between the locking sleeve and the complete coupling. It is released by the locking sleeve's movement and then engages with the retaining groove to secure the final assembly position, providing a reliable two-stage locking process.
2Reliability
If a retaining element is introduced to detect complete coupling, then the reliability of connection verification is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element is designed to automatically engage with the retaining groove when the locking sleeve reaches the correct position. This self-acting mechanism provides reliable connection verification without requiring external detection systems or additional control mechanisms, thus avoiding increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining element's position can provide visual indication of coupling status. When engaged in the retaining groove, it signifies complete coupling, allowing for easy optical detection without complex electronic or sensor-based verification systems.
3Ease of operation
If multiple components are used for coupling, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of components during transport increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking sleeve is arranged inside the socket element, and the retaining element is positioned within the coupling structure. This nested arrangement ensures that all components are contained within each other, preventing loss during transport while maintaining ease of operation through the simple axial movement of the locking sleeve.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining element is integrated into the coupling structure between the locking sleeve and the retaining groove, combining multiple functions into a single component. This reduces the number of separate parts that could be lost while maintaining the ease of operation provided by the locking mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a fluid coupling apparatus for coupling two fluid lines. The fluid coupling apparatus includes a tubular socket element, a tubular plug element, and a retaining element. The tubular socket element has a conduction side and a coupling side. A locking sleeve is axially displaceable in the direction of the conduction side is arranged in the socket element and fixes a pre-assembly position. The tubular plug element has a conduction side and a coupling side and a retaining groove. The retaining element is biased in the pre-assembly position and can be arranged orthogonally to the axial direction and releasable by displacing the locking sleeve in the direction of the conduction side of the socket element such that the retaining element is received in the final assembly position in the retaining groove and thereby a complete coupling of the socket element and the plug element is fixed in the final assembly position.