Fluid Line Coupling With Latching Indicator for Secure Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling elements for fluid-carrying lines lack a simple and reliable method to establish a fluid-tight connection between two lines, often resulting in insecure and difficult assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A coupling element with a latching device featuring an elastically deformable ring and a retaining element that engages in a locking receptacle, ensuring a secure connection by deflecting radially to latch behind a circumferential locking collar, and an indicator device for easy assembly verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing coupling elements are used to connect fluid-carrying lines, then the connection can be established, but the assembly process is insecure and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element performs self-latching through the elastic ring that automatically deflects and engages with the locking collar when the coupling elements are assembled, eliminating the need for additional fastening operations or tools. The elastic ring's inherent elasticity provides both the latching action and the indication of proper assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic ring serves as a visual and tactile indicator of proper assembly. When the coupling elements are correctly connected, the ring deflects and engages with the locking collar, providing immediate feedback to the operator that the connection is secure and correct.
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then connection reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted from a complex multi-component mechanism and concentrated into a single elastic ring element. This ring incorporates both the locking action and the indication function, simplifying the overall device while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic ring utilizes flexible material properties to provide the locking mechanism. The ring's elasticity allows it to deflect during assembly and maintain engagement with the locking collar, providing a simple yet reliable locking action without complex mechanical components.
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 solution provides a reliable, easy-to-assemble fluid-tight connection between fluid-carrying lines, ensuring secure attachment and easy verification of proper assembly through audible feedback and visual indicators.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically deformable ring arranged on the base body and having at least one latching projection protruding inwards in the radial direction, with a latching receptacle for receiving the latching collar viewed in the axial direction between an end stop surface of the base body and a latching surface of the latching projection is present, and wherein the ring and the locking projection are designed such that the locking projection after connecting the coupling element and the coupling counter-element of the locking collar in the radial direction elastically is deflected on the outside
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a coupling element (4) for connecting a first fluid-conducting line (2) to a second fluid-conducting line (3). An indicator device (18) is mounted on a latching device (9) and has a retaining element (23) which can be elastically deflected in the radial direction relative to a guide element (19) of the indicator device (18) and which in a latched position engages into the latch receiving area (17) and secures the indicator device (18) in the axial direction by interacting with a main part (10) and in a non-latched position lies outside of the latch receiving area (17) and releases the indicator device (18) to move in the axial direction. The invention additionally relates to a coupling assembly (1).