Latching Connection Assembly With Asymmetric Release Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection arrangements face a challenge where increased holding forces require correspondingly higher assembly forces, making it difficult to achieve high holding forces without increasing assembly forces.
Innovation Solution
A connection arrangement with a latching element that moves along a path with a stop limiting the disassembly direction, allowing for high holding forces with moderate assembly forces, and featuring a spring-elastic latching element and a sealing element for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the length of the first part of the movement path is shorter than the length of the second part of the movement path, then the dismantling forces for releasing the connection arrangement are higher than the assembly forces for joining the connection arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The movement path is designed asymmetrically, with the first part (in the disassembly direction) being shorter than the second part (in the assembly direction). This asymmetric geometry creates different force characteristics: the shorter first part requires higher dismantling forces to overcome, while the longer second part allows easier assembly. This asymmetry ensures that once assembled, the connection is secure and difficult to accidentally disassemble, while still allowing controlled disassembly when needed.
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 enables high holding forces with relatively low assembly forces and high dismantling forces, improving the connection arrangement's efficiency and usability, particularly in medical technology applications.
Implementation Method 1
The latching element is advantageously spring-elastic as a whole or at least in a partial area. It is preferred that the latching element is made, at least in sections, from a spring-elastic material, for example from a thermoplastic elastomer.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
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AI summary
The invention relates to a connection assembly (10) comprising a first component (12) and a second component (14) that can be joined together along a relative movement axis (16) starting from a disassembled state, in which the components are separate from each other, and can be converted into an assembled state, in which the components are connected together, and back into the disassembled state, wherein the first component is equipped with at least one latching element (18), which surrounds the relative movement axis in an annular or segment-shaped manner, and the second component is equipped with at least one latching element receiving area (20), which surrounds the relative movement axis in an annular or segment-shaped manner and interacts with at least two latching regions of the at least one latching element in the assembled state, said latching regions being offset relative to each other when viewed in the circumferential direction. Each of the latching regions of the at least one latching element can be moved along a movement path starting from a non-deformed rest state, said movement path having at least one component parallel to the relative movement axis. A first section of the movement path points in a disassembly direction with respect to the rest state, and a second section of the movement path points in an assembly direction opposite the disassembly direction with respect to the rest state. The first section of the movement path is limited by at least one stop against which the at least one latching element rests in the course of disassembling the components.