Multi-Line Connector with Axial and Rotary Connection Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for fluid and electrical lines require precise tolerances and significant manufacturing effort, and lack clear indications for correct connection, making them difficult to operate and manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A device with a first connecting component that moves along a connection axis to connect and separate fluid lines, and a second component that moves circumferentially to connect and separate other lines, providing a locking mechanism and indication of correct connection through alignment and rotation, reducing manufacturing and operational effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multi-connectors with male and female connectors for both fluid lines and electrical lines are used, then connections between fluid lines and electrical lines can be established, but manufacturing precision requirements increase and manufacturing effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two independent components: a first connecting component for fluid lines and a second connecting component for electrical lines. Each component can be manufactured and assembled separately, allowing for relaxed tolerance requirements in each individual component while maintaining overall connection functionality. The fluid connector and electrical connector are decoupled, eliminating the need for precise coordination between multiple male and female connectors as required in traditional multi-connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
A housing serves as an intermediary structure that receives and positions both the first connecting component and the second connecting component. The housing provides a reference frame that ensures proper alignment between fluid and electrical connections without requiring tight tolerances on the connectors themselves. This mediator structure absorbs the alignment requirements, allowing the individual connectors to be manufactured with broader tolerances.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multi-connectors with multiple male and female connectors are used, then connections between fluid lines and electrical lines can be established, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first connecting component for fluid lines and the second connecting component for electrical lines are merged into a single integrated connector assembly housed within a common housing. This unified structure reduces the number of separate components and assembly steps compared to traditional multi-connectors that require multiple independent male and female connectors to be coordinated. The merging simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining the capability to connect both fluid and electrical lines simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, positions the first connecting component and second connecting component, and ensures proper alignment between fluid and electrical connections. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate alignment mechanisms and mounting structures, reducing device complexity while maintaining connection versatility.
3Ease of operation
If traditional connectors without indication mechanisms are used, then connections can be made, but operational effort increases due to lack of connection verification
Solution Approach 1:
The indication mechanism uses visual signals (such as color changes or visible alignment features) to indicate when the first connecting component and second connecting component are properly positioned within the housing. This allows operators to quickly verify correct connection without complex electronic verification systems, maintaining ease of operation while adding minimal complexity through simple visual indicators.
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3a~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10) for connecting fluid lines (12, 14) and other lines (36, 38). The device (10) has a first connection component (24) for connecting fluid lines (12, 14) and a second connection component (30) for connecting other lines (36, 38). The first connection component (24) has a first functional position, in which the first connection component (24) disconnects the two fluid lines (12, 14) from one another, and a second functional position, in which the first connection component (24) connects two fluid lines (12, 14). Movement of the first connection component (24) along a connection axis (20) of the device (10) transfers the first connection component (24) between the first functional position and the second functional position. The second connection component (30), in a connection position, connects two other lines (36, 38) and, in a release position, disconnects the two other lines (36, 38) from one another. Movement of the second connection component (30) in a peripheral direction (22) around the connection axis (20) transfers the second connection component (30) between the release position and the connection position when the first connection component (24) is in the second functional position. The invention provides an improved device (10) that is simpler to produce and operate.