One-Piece Fluid Line Coupling With Dual-Deflection Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick couplings for fluid lines in motor vehicles are multi-part designs, leading to increased production costs and risks of incorrect assembly, and provide inadequate security against unintentional loosening, especially in the unloaded state.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece quick coupling design with a cylindrical insertion sleeve and an arc-shaped locking device that deflects both axially and radially to secure and release the connection, featuring stop elements to limit deflection and prevent unintentional loosening, allowing for simplified assembly and enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a multi-part design is used for the quick coupling, then the locking device can be separately manufactured and assembled, but this increases manufacturing complexity and the risk of faulty assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking device with the coupling body into a single integrated component. The locking device is formed as an integral part of the coupling body through injection molding, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing and assembly steps. This reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining production flexibility through the injection molding process.
2Device complexity
If a one-piece design is used for the quick coupling, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the locking device offers inadequate protection against accidental release when unloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a stop element that extends in the radial direction to limit the radial deflection of the locking device. This adds a dimensional constraint (radial dimension) to the locking mechanism, preventing excessive radial movement that could lead to accidental release while maintaining the integrated one-piece design structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop element is pre-positioned in the coupling body to preemptively prevent excessive radial deflection of the locking device. By having the stop element in place before any potential accidental release occurs, the design proactively counteracts the harmful effect of unlimited radial movement, enhancing security against unintentional release.
3Ease of operation
If the locking device is allowed to deflect radially without limitation, then release of the quick coupling is easier, but the locking device is at risk of overloading
Solution Approach 1:
The stop element extends in the radial direction to create a physical barrier that limits the radial deflection of the locking device. This radial constraint prevents the locking device from deflecting beyond safe limits while still allowing sufficient radial movement for intentional release when actuated, balancing operational ease with structural durability.
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 one-piece design reduces production complexity and assembly errors while providing increased security against unintentional loosening by requiring simultaneous axial and radial deflection for release, ensuring a secure fluid connection.
Implementation Method 1
the locking device can be transferred from a locking position into a release position by deflecting the locking device in the axial and radial directions
Implementation Method 2
The coupling body (1) comprises a stop element (3411, 3421) which, in the locking position, limits the radial deflection of the locking device (5)
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Quick coupling for fluid lines with a coupling body (1); wherein the coupling body (1) comprises an insertion sleeve (3) with a cylindrical receiving chamber (30) for the detachable connection of the coupling body (1) to a tubular insertion part with at least one first locking device; wherein the cylindrical receiving chamber (30) extends in the axial direction of the insertion sleeve (3) from an insertion opening (31) to a receiving chamber base; wherein the insertion sleeve (3) comprises a material recess which extends around a circumferential section of the cylindrical insertion sleeve (3) to form an arrangement chamber (34) which extends from a connection end (34a) to an upper end (34b);wherein a locking device (5) extends in an arc along a circumferential section of the insertion sleeve (3) in the arrangement space (34) and is formed integrally with the insertion sleeve (3) and comprises at least one second locking device adapted to the at least one first locking device of the insertion part; and wherein the locking device (5) can be moved from an undisplaced locking position, in which the at least one second locking device interacts with the at least one first locking device of the insertion part (3) and secures the insertion part relative to the insertion sleeve (3) at least in the axial direction, by deflecting the locking device (5) in the axial and radial directions to a release position, in which the at least one second locking device releases the at least one first locking device and the insertion part can be removed from the insertion sleeve (3).