Plug-In Pipe Connector With Spring Locking Status Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug connectors for liquid or gaseous media lack clear indication of correct connection and locking, leading to uncertainty in assembly.
Innovation Solution
A plug connector design featuring a display element with a spring-coupled first and second section, where the locking element's deformation in the locking position presses a display surface into a visible position, and a contact nose ensures secure engagement with the mating connector's locking groove, allowing for visual and machine-readable confirmation of correct locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a manual indicator element is added to show correct locking, then the visibility of correct connection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display element is integrated into the locking element itself, combining the locking function and the display function into a single component. The first section forms part of the locking element while the second section forms part of the display element, merging structure and indication into one unified component that reduces overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The display element automatically indicates correct locking without requiring external manual operation. When the locking element engages with the locking groove, the second section is automatically pushed into the display position, providing self-indicating functionality that eliminates the need for separate manual indicators.
2Reliability
If a display element with spring section is used to indicate correct locking, then the reliability of connection indication is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring section changes its physical state from a relaxed position to a deformed position based on the locking condition. When the locking element engages with the locking groove, the spring section deforms and pushes the second section into the display position, providing a clear visual indication that is easy to manufacture and assemble.
3Ease of operation
If the display element width is made greater than the locking groove width, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display element is designed with asymmetric dimensions where the width in the area of the mounting nose is greater than the width of the locking groove. This asymmetric design ensures that the second section cannot be inserted into the locking groove, thereby ensuring that the second section can be correctly moved into the display position, providing clear visual feedback while maintaining simple geometric forms.
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 clear visual and machine-readable confirmation of correct connection and locking, enhancing controllability and reducing operator errors.
Implementation Method 1
the first partial section and the second partial section are flexibly coupled to one another by a spring section, wherein the first partial section is fixedly connected to the locking element and the display surface is formed on the second partial section, wherein the display element is designed such that in a locking position, and at the same time correct positioning of the mating connector, the locking element the second partial section is deformed relative to the first partial section
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a plug-in connector (2) for connecting pipes for liquid or gaseous media. The plug-in connector (2) comprises - a connector body (5); - a locking element (6). Furthermore, a display element (18) is formed which has a display area (29), wherein the display element (18) has a first portion (22) and a second portion (23), the first portion (22) and the second portion (23) are flexibly coupled to one another by means of a spring section (24), the first portion (22) is rigidly connected to the locking element (6) and the display area (29) is formed on the second portion (23), and the display element (18) is designed in such a way that, in a locking position of the locking element (6), the second portion (23) is deformed in relation to the first portion (22) such that the display area (29) is pressed into a display position.