Media Pipeline Connector Latch Design for Secure Non-Release Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies for media lines face challenges in ensuring a sufficient mounting force while preventing unintentional release, particularly in applications with increased safety requirements.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly featuring a terminal body with a receiving opening and a batch component that forms a multi-stage, tilt-proof connection, utilizing a connecting element with elastic deformation to create a positive locking connection that can only be released through mechanical destruction, and an elastic compensation element to manage tolerances and apply axial preload.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screw connection with union nut is used to connect media line segments, then the connection can be assembled and disassembled, but the connection is vulnerable to unintentional loosening and insufficient assembly force
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is divided into multiple locking sections (first locking section and second locking section) that can be independently pressed onto different components. This segmentation allows the assembly force to be distributed and controlled, while each locking section provides independent security against unintentional loosening.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element is designed with predetermined breaking points that allow it to be pressed onto the media line segments with controlled elastic deformation before final locking. This preliminary action ensures sufficient assembly force is applied while preventing unintentional loosening through the breaking point mechanism.
2Reliability
If a positive-locking snap-fit connection is used to ensure secure connection, then safety against unintentional release is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides positive-locking snap-fit connection through its locking sections, incorporates elastic deformation capability, includes predetermined breaking points for controlled separation, and integrates compensation for tolerances. This merging reduces overall device complexity while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element utilizes changes in material properties (elastic deformation) and geometric parameters (breaking points at specific locations) to achieve secure connection without increasing structural complexity. The parameter changes allow the same component to provide both strength and controlled separability.
3Reliability
If elastic deformation is used to create positive locking connection, then the connection can only be released through mechanical destruction improving safety, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element incorporates predetermined breaking points that act as cushioning elements, absorbing the stress and deformation during assembly. This beforehand cushioning allows elastic deformation to occur within controlled limits, reducing the impact on manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining connection security.
4Reliability
If an elastic compensation element is added to manage tolerances and apply axial preload, then connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic compensation element is integrated into the connecting element itself rather than being a separate component. This merging provides tolerance management and axial preload functionality without increasing the number of parts, thus improving reliability while avoiding additional device complexity.
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 solution ensures a secure connection with a defined assembly force and prevents accidental disconnection, allowing the connection to be reliably maintained until mechanically severed, enhancing safety and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The connecting element is pressed onto the attachment component and/or the connector body in such a way that a positive-locking, circumferentially closed snap-fit connection is formed, in particular under elastic deformation
Implementation Method 2
The connector assembly comprises an elastic compensation element, which compensates for tolerances and causes an axial preload
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a connector arrangement (1) for media pipelines, having at least one connection body (2) and at least one attachment part (3). The connection body (2) has at least one receiving opening (4) for receiving at least some of the attachment part (3), and a fluid duct (32), wherein the attachment part (3) is connected to the fluid duct (32) and at least one connecting element (5) is included, the connection body (2) and the attachment part (3) being connected to each other by means of the connecting element (5). A first interlocking latch connection is formed between the connecting element (5) and the connection body (2), and a second interlocking latch connection is formed between the connecting element (5) and the attachment part (3). The invention also relates to a connecting element (5) for a connector arrangement (1) of this type and to a method for connecting media pipelines, in particular for producing a connector arrangement (1) of this type.