Media Line Connector Locking With Leak-Check Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection devices for media lines require significant assembly effort, are prone to incorrect assembly, and lack the necessary holding forces for pressure applications, leading to potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A connection device where the insert part is secured to the coupling element by rotating a predetermined angle, featuring a sealant with varying axial positions and coordinated leakage recesses to ensure proper locking and prevent fluid leakage, utilizing a retaining collar and locking mechanisms for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional sealing rings with constant axial position are used, then the sealing structure is simple, but the assembly effort is high and incorrect assembly is prone
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is designed with varying axial position in different sections: the first section has a first axial position that coordinates with leakage recesses to enable self-checking, while the second section has a second axial position for sealing. This local differentiation allows the sealing structure to simultaneously provide simple construction and error prevention, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and assembly ease.
2Device complexity
If conventional locking mechanisms are used, then the device structure is simple, but the holding forces required for pressure applications are not sufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from simple axial insertion to a two-stage process combining axial insertion with rotational movement. The insert is first inserted axially into the coupling element, then rotated by a predetermined angle to engage locking features. This addition of rotational dimension enables the locking mechanism to generate sufficient holding forces for pressure applications while maintaining relatively simple structure.
3Productivity
If the insert is inserted without rotational locking, then the assembly process is fast, but the connection is not secure for pressure applications
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element's first section acts as a feedback mechanism: in the unlocked position, it overlaps with leakage recesses to create visible leakage paths that signal incorrect assembly. When the insert is properly rotated to the locked position, the first section moves away from the leakage recesses, closing the leakage paths and confirming correct assembly. This feedback mechanism ensures connection security while maintaining assembly speed through clear visual indication.
4Reliability
If leakage paths are always open for detection, then assembly errors are easily detected, but fluid leakage occurs during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is designed to dynamically change its position relative to leakage recesses based on the assembly state. In the unlocked position, the first section overlaps with leakage recesses to open leakage paths for error detection. Upon rotation to the locked position, the first section moves away from the leakage recesses, dynamically closing the leakage paths to prevent fluid leakage during operation. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between error detection and leakage prevention.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
A connection device (1) for media lines, comprising at least one coupling element (2) and at least one insert (3), wherein the coupling element (2) has at least one connection opening (4) and at least one fluid channel (5), wherein the insert (3) can be inserted at least partially into the connection opening (4), wherein the insert (3) has at least one surrounding sealing element (6), and wherein leakage recesses (8) are arranged at least in the connection opening (4). A connection device (1) that reduces assembly effort, allows for the application of high holding forces, and reduces the risk of incorrect assembly is realized by enabling the insert (3) to be attached to the coupling element (2) in the connection opening (4) by rotating it through a predetermined angle (α) about the central axis (M) of the connection opening (4), starting from an insertion position and moving it to a locking position.that the sealing medium (6) has at least a sectionally varying axial position with respect to a central axis (A) of the insert part (3), that the sealing medium (6) has at least one first section (9) with a first axial position, that the sealing medium (6) with the first section (9) releases a leakage path when the first section (9) is arranged overlapping with at least one leakage recess (8), that the first section (9) is arranged overlapping with at least one leakage recess (8) in the insertion position, and that the first section (9) is arranged in a region between two leakage recesses (8) in the locking position, so that no leakage path is released.