Fluid Line Plug Connection With Two-Part Wedge Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug connections for fluid lines face challenges in handling and reliability due to geometric limitations and friction issues, making it difficult to snap the radius-shaped extension into a groove and requiring high forces for movement between release and holding positions.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of contact arms with guide means and interlocking locking mechanisms in the slide and fixed parts, allowing for secure guidance and captive holding, decoupling the latching function from the plug part, and using spring-elastic elements for improved handling and compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the wedge slide uses radius-shaped extensions to adapt to the plug contour, then the geometric adaptation is achieved, but the forces required for movement are high and the snapping into groove is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge slide is divided into two separate parts: a fixed part that remains stationary on the plug, and a movable part that slides along the plug contour. This segmentation allows the fixed part to provide the geometric adaptation (radius-shaped extensions) while the movable part provides the latching function, reducing the force required for movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable part of the wedge slide acts as an intermediary between the user's manual operation and the holding element. It translates the small sliding motion into the larger axial movement of the holding element through the wedge mechanism, reducing the force required for the overall operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If the wedge slide design is simplified for easier manufacturing, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the latching function and reliability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge slide is segmented into a fixed part and a movable part with distinct functions. The fixed part can be简单地 manufactured with radius-shaped extensions for geometric adaptation, while the movable part incorporates the latching mechanism. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function, maintaining reliability while simplifying overall manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire wedge slide movable for simplified manufacturing, the invention inverts the approach by making the wedge slide fixed and simple to manufacture, while using a separate movable part with a simple latching mechanism (such as a spring-loaded ball or cam) to provide the reliable latching function.
3Device complexity
If the latching function is integrated with the plug part, then the structure is compact, but the handling and transfer path are complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into the plug part with the fixed wedge slide, and a separate movable wedge slide part that handles the latching function. This segmentation allows the plug part to remain simple and compact, while the movable part provides easy handling through its dedicated latching mechanism that snaps into place with acoustic feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable wedge slide part acts as an intermediary that simplifies the interaction between the user and the plug. It provides a clear transfer path with acoustic feedback that guides the user through the connection process, making operation easier even though the overall system structure remains integrated.
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
This solution simplifies handling, enhances the latching function, ensures reliable plug control, and allows for optimal adjustment of locking and unlocking forces, while also enabling easy production and cost reduction through plastic injection molding.
Implementation Method 1
the contact arms of the slide part are designed to be spring-elastic
Implementation Method 2
when the system is locked, friction and clamping forces occur on the wedge surfaces
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~7
Figure 8~11
AI summary
The present invention relates to a plug connection for fluid lines, having a plug part (2) of which a plug shaft (4) can be plugged in the direction of a plug axis (X) into a socket (6) of a housing part (8) so as to be circumferentially sealed, and having a locking device for releasably arresting the plug part (2) in its plugged-in connection position. The locking device consists of a radially deformable retaining element (16) arranged on the plug shaft (4), and a wedge slider (26) that can be slid transversely to the plug axis (X) in a region located axially between the retaining element (16) and a counter-bearing element (24) of the plug part (2). The wedge slider (26) consists of a fixed part (36) and a slider part (38). In a locked position, the wedge slider (26) prevents, in a form-fitting manner, a relative axial movement between the retaining element (16) and the plug shaft (4) in the retaining position, to prevent transitioning into the release position, wherein the wedge slider (26) is able to move relative to the plug part (2) between a freeing position and the locking position and is designed such that, during the movement in a sliding direction (32) from the freeing position into the locking position, it also acts as a driving element for an enforced movement of the retaining element (16) and the plug shaft (4) from their release position into their retaining position. The fixed part (36) and the slider part (38) have matching wedge faces. The slider part (38) has bearing arms and the fixed part (36) has guide means for bearing and guiding the bearing arms of the slider part (38), and the fixed part (36) and the slider part (38) have interlocking latching means for captive retention in the freeing position and the locking position.