Pipe Plug-in Connection with Elastic Retaining Clip for Easy Disassembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug-in connections for pipes are difficult to release manually and are prone to dirt contamination, which complicates disassembly, especially when exposed in outdoor automobile applications.
Innovation Solution
A plug-in connection design featuring a retaining clip with tapering locking elements and a sectoral deepening with opposing stops on one pipe, along with a guide on the other, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly by interacting locking elements with the retaining region, and a corrugated contact area for tool-assisted disengagement, ensuring a secure and dirt-proof connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional plug-in connections are used, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the disassembly becomes difficult and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed with elastic legs that can dynamically change state between locked and unlocked positions. The elastic deformation allows the locking element to engage securely with the retaining region during assembly, then release during disassembly when force is applied to the actuating element, enabling easy manual operation while maintaining connection security.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating element is designed to be manually accessible from the outside, allowing the user to self-release the locking mechanism without tools. The elastic legs automatically return to their locked position after disengagement, providing self-service functionality that simplifies both assembly and disassembly operations.
2Ease of operation
If the plug-in connection is exposed in outdoor automobile applications, then the connection is accessible for assembly and disassembly, but dirt contamination complicates the release mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element is extracted and positioned on the outer surface of the first pipe, allowing it to be accessed from the outside without requiring disassembly of protective covers or access to internal components. This external positioning enables easy manual operation while the locking elements remain protected inside the connection interface, separating the access function from the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic legs act as intermediaries between the actuating element and the locking mechanism. When force is applied to the actuating element, the elastic legs transmit this force through their deformation to disengage the locking elements from the retaining region, providing a mechanical advantage that allows easy release without directly manipulating the internal locking components.
3Reliability
If a retaining clip with locking elements is used, then the connection is secure against accidental release, but the assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining clip integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides the locking elements for secure engagement, the elastic legs for dynamic locking and releasing, and the actuating element for manual operation. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the assembly process while maintaining reliable anti-release security.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining clip is designed as a multi-functional component that performs both locking and releasing operations. The same elastic legs that provide secure locking during normal operation also enable easy release when the actuating element is manipulated, eliminating the need for separate locking and releasing mechanisms.
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
Facilitates easy and secure assembly and disassembly of pipes with an anti-twist protection, maintaining a sealed connection while being resistant to external contaminants, and can be released without tools, enhancing usability in automotive applications.
Implementation Method 1
both of which carry a locking element with a taper
Implementation Method 2
wherein elastic holding arms of an expandable part of a coupling ring make the fluid pipeline and the pipe stay connected
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a plug-in connection for a first pipe and a second pipe and use thereof in a motor vehicle. A free end segment of the first pipe and a free end segment of the second pipe can be connected to each other. A retaining clip having two legs, which each bear a respective locking element, sits in a guide for the retaining clip, wherein the guide is formed on the free end segment of the first pipe. The retaining clip mounted in the guide interacts with the retaining region on the free end segment of the second pipe in a form-fitting and force-fitting manner by means of each of the locking elements.