Interlocking Connection with Linear Guide for Easy Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing releasable positive connections are complex to assemble and disassemble, lacking simplicity and efficiency in their design, particularly in electrical connection devices and solenoid valve systems.

Innovation Solution

A releasable positive connection featuring a linear guide and an elastically deformable section with a separate securing element, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly by engaging and disengaging the guide, and utilizing a stop surface for secure engagement and release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional latching lugs with corresponding latching surfaces are used for releasable positive connections, then the connection can be secured between housing components, but the assembly and disassembly processes become complex and require special tools or keys

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidassembly and disassembly simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into separate functional elements: a linear guide for alignment, an elastically deformable section for engagement, and a separate securing element for locking. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying both assembly and disassembly operations while maintaining connection security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastically deformable section automatically engages with the stop surface when the securing element is inserted, and the linear guide self-aligns the components during assembly. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex tooling or multi-step procedures, allowing simple insertion and removal operations while ensuring reliable connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If multiple separate components are used to ensure secure connection, then the connection reliability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The linear guide and the elastically deformable section are merged into a single integrated component, reducing the total number of parts. The securing element combines both the locking function and the alignment function, eliminating the need for separate alignment features. This merging maintains connection reliability while significantly reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The securing element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a locking mechanism, an alignment guide, and an engagement tool. The linear guide component provides both structural support and self-alignment functionality. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while ensuring secure and reliable connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables simple and secure assembly and disassembly of the connection, ensuring the connection remains secure until intentionally released, with the elastically deformable section facilitating easy detachment.

Implementation Method 1

at least one section which can be elastically deformed in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the at least one separate securing element by the other end of the separate securing element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3765751B1Releasable interlocking connection between a first body and a second body
Publication Date: 2022.04.06 KNORR BREMSE SYSTEME FUER NUTZFAHIZEUGE GMBH
  • EP3765751B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3765751B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3765751B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B

AI summary

The invention relates to a releasable interlocking connection (22) between a first body (10) and a second body (18), which contains at least the following: a linear guide (26) between the first body (10) and the second body (18), wherein the linear guide (26) can be brought into and out of engagement; at least one separate securing element (8), the one end (40) of which is fastened in at least one first opening (38) in the first body (10) and/or in at least one third opening (42) in a third body (4) in a releasable manner such that the other end (44) of the securing element projects out of the first opening (38); and at least one deformable section (46) of the second body (18), which deformable section can elastically deformed in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the separate securing element (8) through the other end (44) of the separate securing element (8), said deformable section being provided with a contact surface (50) against which the other end (44) of the separate securing element (8) can bear, seen in the direction of the linear guide (26).