Plug-In Pipe Connector With Lock-Coupled Mating Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for liquid or gaseous media lack clear indication of correct mating, leading to potential misconnections and unintentional separations.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a locking element and a display element with a spring mechanism that ensures the display element only indicates correct mating when the locking element is securely engaged, preventing unintentional separation, and includes a machine-readable code for verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple locking mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of correct connection indication deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A display element is introduced as an intermediary component that visually indicates the connection status. This display element is coupled to the locking element through a spring mechanism, allowing it to show whether the locking element is properly engaged without adding complex electronic or mechanical indication systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector provides visual feedback through the display element that shows the connection status. When the locking element is correctly engaged, the display element moves to indicate proper connection, giving immediate feedback to the operator about the reliability of the connection.
2Reliability
If a display element is added to indicate correct mating, then the reliability of connection indication is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element itself serves the dual function of both locking and indicating connection status. Through its coupling with the display element via the spring mechanism, the locking element automatically indicates its own engagement state without requiring separate indication mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking and indication functions are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The display element is directly coupled to the locking element, combining the security function with the indication function in one unified system rather than separate components.
3Ease of operation
If the display element is always visible, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of indication is worsened due to false indications
Solution Approach 1:
The display element transitions dynamically between concealed and visible states based on the connection status. It is displaceable between a rest position where it is concealed and a display position where it is visible, allowing the system to show information only when relevant and accurate.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element pre-tensions the display element toward the display position, but the display element only becomes fully visible when the locking element has already been correctly engaged. This preliminary positioning ensures that the indication is prepared but only activated when the correct condition is met.
4Reliability
If the locking element is made secure, then the reliability of connection is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in release
Solution Approach 1:
The release function is extracted and separated from the locking mechanism itself. A distinct release element is provided that can disengage the locking element from the locking groove, allowing the secure connection to be maintained during operation while enabling easy release when needed through a separate control element.
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
Ensures reliable and visually confirmable correct connection, reducing operator errors and allowing machine-readable verification, thus enhancing connection security and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element is formed which pretensions the display element in the direction of the display position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a plug-in connector (2) for connecting pipes for liquid or gaseous media, comprising: - a connector body (5); and - a locking element (6). Furthermore, a display element (18) is formed which comprises a display surface (19), wherein the display element (18) is preloaded by means of a spring element (24) into a display position (27) and can be moved between an idle position (26), in which the display surface (19) is at least partly covered, and the display position (27), in which the display surface (19) is visible, wherein the display element (18) is coupled to a first detent element (22) and a second detent element (23), wherein the first detent element (22) is designed to hold the display element (18) in the idle position (26) against the spring force of the spring element (24) and wherein the second detent element (23) is designed to hold the display element (18) in an intermediate position (38) between the idle position (26) and the display position (27) against the spring force of the spring element (24).