Media Line Multi-Coupling with Stop Geometry for Error-Proof Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiple couplings for media lines require increased manufacturing effort to prevent incorrect assembly of plug-in coupling parts, and there is a risk of interchanging parts with the same diameter but intended for different receptacles.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves designing receptacles on first and second coupling carriers with stop means having different axial extensions and radial properties, ensuring that plug-in coupling parts with the correct diameter and orientation can be fixed in the intended receptacle only, preventing interchanging by varying insertion depths and orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If stop means with different axial extensions are used to prevent incorrect assembly, then assembly correctness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by giving each receptacle a specific stop means configuration tailored to its function. Different receptacles have stop means with different axial extensions and radial properties matched to their intended plug-in coupling parts, ensuring each receptacle accepts only its designated component while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses asymmetry by designing stop means with different axial extensions and radial properties for different receptacles. This asymmetric design creates unique geometric signatures for each receptacle, preventing incorrect assembly through shape complementarity while avoiding the need for complex additional restraining mechanisms.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple different receptacle designs are used to prevent interchanging, then part identification accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the stop means dimensions (axial extension and radial properties) across different receptacles. These parameter variations provide clear geometric differentiation for part identification while using standard manufacturing processes, avoiding the need for complex or specialized manufacturing operations.
3Reliability
If plug-in coupling parts are restricted to specific receptacles by geometry, then assembly correctness is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the coupling system into distinct receptacles with unique stop means geometries and corresponding plug-in coupling parts. This segmentation creates self-guiding features that naturally guide operators to the correct receptacle-part pairings, making the assembly process intuitive and error-proof without requiring complex procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple coupling for media lines, with at least one first plate-shaped coupling carrier, at least one second plate-shaped coupling carrier and a plurality of plug-in coupling parts. The first coupling carrier has at least a first receptacle and a second receptacle. The second coupling carrier has at least one first receptacle and one second receptacle. The multiple coupling for media lines, which prevents incorrect assembly of plug-in coupling parts and in which the manufacturing effort is reduced, is realized in that the first receptacle and the second receptacle of at least the second coupling carrier each have at least one stop, and in that the stop of the first receptacle has a different extension along a longitudinal axis than the stop of the second receptacle in order to realize different insertion depths for different plug-in coupling parts.