Fluid Plug Locking Element With Dual Trigger Actuation Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for fluid-conducting plugs on connectors lack sufficient actuation safety, leading to potential accidental triggering and premature coupling.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a locking element featuring at least two trigger elements formed as sprung trigger flaps with trigger tabs, requiring simultaneous actuation to transition into a locking position, and incorporating a spring element for preload and axial direction actuation, which engages with a latch cam and stop to prevent accidental triggering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a locking element with trigger elements is provided for automatic coupling, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of accidental triggering
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is divided into multiple independent trigger elements (at least two trigger flaps with trigger tabs) that must all be actuated simultaneously. This segmentation prevents accidental triggering because a single unintended contact cannot activate the locking mechanism, while still allowing easy manual operation when intentionally actuated.
2Ease of operation
If spring elements are provided for sprung preload, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability worsens due to potential premature locking
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element provides preliminary force to pre-load the locking element in the receiving position, making it ready for coupling. However, the locking action is conditioned on simultaneous actuation of all trigger elements, which prevents premature locking while maintaining ease of operation through the pre-loaded spring mechanism.
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 enhances actuation safety by ensuring all trigger elements must be actuated simultaneously, preventing accidental locking and ensuring secure engagement of the fluid-conducting plug, thus preventing premature coupling.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring element (311) for a sprung preload into a locking position
Implementation Method 2
the at least one trigger tab (353) are spring-biased on the locking element (30) in the unlocked state in an axial direction (15), the at least one trigger tab (353) are released in the axial direction (15) when actuated axially
Data Source
AI summary
A locking element (30) for releasably fixing a fluid-conducting plug (40) to a connector (10) that has at least one spring element (311) for a sprung preload into a locking position with at least one trigger element (35) for transferring from a receiving position into the locking position. At least two trigger elements (35) are provided on the locking element (30), wherein for a transfer to the locking position, a simultaneous actuation of the trigger elements (35) is required.