Modular Media Line Connector With Swappable Insert Interfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connection devices for media lines are inflexible and require preconfiguration for specific applications, leading to increased storage and logistics efforts due to the need for numerous special components.

Innovation Solution

A connection device with detachable insert parts that can be releasably inserted into circular cylindrical connection openings with varying diameters, allowing for different insert parts to be used depending on the application, and featuring a cover plate and base plate with locking mechanisms for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If connection devices are preconfigured for specific applications with predefined interfaces, then connection reliability is improved, but adaptability to different applications deteriorates and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidadaptability to different applications
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The base plate is designed with standardized connection openings that can accommodate different insert parts for various applications. The insert parts include different connection interfaces (e.g., press-in adapters, thread connections) that can be selectively installed in the same base plate, making the coupling element universal for multiple media line connection types while maintaining reliable connections.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The connection device is divided into a base plate and separate insert parts. The base plate contains standardized connection openings, while the insert parts provide application-specific connection interfaces. This segmentation allows the base plate to remain simple and standardized, while adaptability is achieved through interchangeable insert parts that can be selectively installed as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple specific individual components are maintained for each configuration, then adaptability to different applications is improved, but storage and logistics costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different applicationsVSAvoidnumber of components to maintain
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of maintaining multiple complete connection devices for different applications, the invention uses a single universal base plate that can accommodate various insert parts. This reduces the total number of components to maintain, as the base plate serves multiple functions and insert parts can be selectively installed based on application requirements.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges multiple connection interface types into a single base plate structure. Different insert parts (press-in adapters, thread connections, etc.) are designed to fit the same standardized connection openings, combining the functionality of multiple specialized components into one universal platform, thereby reducing storage and logistics requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If insert parts are firmly connected to the coupling element within connection openings, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of replacement and reconfiguration deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidease of replacement and reconfiguration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system allows dynamic reconfiguration by enabling insert parts to be removed and replaced in the standardized connection openings of the base plate. While each insert part maintains a reliable firm connection during operation, the standardized interface design allows for easy removal and replacement when reconfiguration is needed, providing both reliability and operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

By segmenting the connection device into a permanent base plate and removable insert parts, the invention achieves reliable firm connection during operation while maintaining ease of replacement. The standardized connection openings provide a consistent interface that ensures reliable mounting, while the modular insert parts can be selectively removed and replaced based on application changes without affecting the base plate structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3601867B1Connecting device for media lines
Publication Date: 2024.09.11 VOSS AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
  • EP3601867B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3601867B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3601867B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a connecting device (1) for media lines. A connecting device (1) which ensures improved flexibility with respect to the adaptation to different individual requirements of use and simple mounting is implemented, having at least one insert part (2), at least one cover plate (3), at least one base plate (4), at least one fluid channel (6) and at least one connecting opening (7) to at least partly receive the insert part (2), wherein the insert part (2) has a connection interface (8) for producing a connection to a media line, wherein the insert part (2) can be at least partly detachably introduced into the connecting opening 7, wherein the insert part (2) has at least one connecting means (9) for connection to the cover plate (3), wherein the cover plate (3) can be connected to the base plate (4), and wherein the connecting opening (7) extends at least partly in the base plate (4).