Pipe Plug Connector Locking Ring for Heat-Stable Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug connectors for fluid lines face challenges in ensuring secure locking and tightness under temperature load, particularly when made of plastic components.
Innovation Solution
A locking element adjustable between open and locked positions, featuring a lever-like section that engages with the coupling sleeve, and a locking ring held by an elastic element, ensuring secure locking and resistance to deformation under temperature stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the locking element is made of plastic, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is easier, but the locking reliability under temperature load deteriorates due to plastic deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two separate components: a plastic locking element and a metal locking ring. The plastic locking element provides ease of manufacture and integration, while the metal locking ring provides temperature-resistant locking reliability. This segmentation allows each material to perform its optimal function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system uses a composite structure combining plastic and metal materials. The plastic coupling body integrates the locking element, while the metal locking ring is inserted to provide thermal stability. This composite approach leverages the advantages of both materials: plastic's manufacturing ease and metal's temperature resistance.
2Reliability
If the locking element is designed with a lever-like section for engagement, then the locking mechanism becomes more secure, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lever-like section is integrated directly into the locking element as a unified component rather than a separate part. This merging reduces the number of components while maintaining the mechanical advantage and security of the lever mechanism. The locking element combines the lever arm, pivot point, and engagement features in one piece.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever-like section is designed to automatically engage with the coupling sleeve's latching nose when the coupling is assembled. The geometry of the lever and latching nose creates a self-locking mechanism that secures itself without additional fasteners or complex assembly steps, reducing overall device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the locking ring is held by an elastic element, then the locking mechanism becomes reversible and releasable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic element (spring) stores mechanical energy when compressed during assembly, holding the locking ring in the engaged position. When release is needed, the stored energy automatically propels the locking ring outward to disengage, providing reversible operation. The spring is recovered and reused indefinitely without degradation of function.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element replaces complex mechanical locking mechanisms (such as threads, set screws, or multiple pins) with a simple spring-loaded system. This substitution achieves reversible and releasable functionality with fewer parts and simpler assembly, reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
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 design provides secure locking and sealing of fluid lines while preventing plastic deformation, ensuring reliable connections even under temperature variations.
Implementation Method 1
wherein at least one elastic element (8) acts on the locking ring (6) in the direction of the locking position
Data Source
AI summary
A reversibly-releasable coupling for a plug-in connection on pipes and hoses, for connection to a tubular plug having at least one latching shoulder or edge running at least partially around the outer circumference, includes at least one locking element assuming, when the plug is fully inserted, a locking position where a locking section is pivoted towards the plug and, via a locking edge, fixedly engages behind the plug locking shoulder or edge. The section lies completely inside the locking ring, axially releasing it. An elastic element presses the ring axially from an open into a locking position completely overlapping the section. The locking element is pivotable about an axis relative to the coupling sleeve between open and locking positions. It has a lever-like portion extending in the circumferential direction of, and latched in the open position relative to, the sleeve. Inserting the plug releases the portion from the latched position.