Pre-Assembly Locking Plug Connector for High-Load Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector designs face challenges with leaks and damage under high tensile and compressive loads, particularly for mating connectors with diameters over 14 mm, due to inadequate sealing and structural weaknesses.
Innovation Solution
The connector incorporates reinforcing struts in the adapter sleeve's windows and a form-locking element that is elastically expandable, providing enhanced structural stiffness and even load distribution, which prevents leaks and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If locking tabs are dimensioned large to hold the adapter sleeve in the socket section with a positive fit, then the adapter sleeve can be securely retained, but only a circumferential seal can be arranged to seal the gap, limiting the design for mating connectors with diameter over 14 mm
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented into multiple locking arms (at least two) distributed around the circumference of the adapter sleeve. Each locking arm engages with the socket section independently, distributing the retention force across multiple points rather than relying on a single large locking tab. This segmentation allows the design to accommodate larger diameter connectors while maintaining secure retention.
2Device complexity
If the connector design uses locking arms with small surface area of overlap with the mating connector, then the structure remains compact, but leaks or damage can occur under high tensile or compressive loads, especially for connectors with diameter over 14 mm
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arms are designed to engage not only in the axial direction but also provide radial support through their positioning and structural configuration. The locking arms extend radially outward and engage with corresponding features on the socket section, creating a multi-dimensional engagement that distributes tensile and compressive loads across both axial and radial dimensions, preventing leaks and damage while maintaining structural compactness.
3Reliability
If the locking element is made axially displaceable to prevent accidental release, then the mating connector can be secured against unintended detachment, but the locking element can move into the locking position even without a mating connector inserted, preventing insertion and increasing assembly effort
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed with preliminary blocking features that prevent the locking arms from engaging with the socket section until the mating connector is properly inserted. The locking element includes blocking protrusions or positioned features that physically obstruct the locking mechanism's operation in the absence of the mating connector, thereby preventing premature locking while still providing protection against accidental release once properly assembled.
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
This design significantly improves resistance to tensile and compressive loads, ensuring reliable sealing and preventing leaks, even under high internal pressures and temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
the holding means is designed to be elastically expandable into a stressed state radially with respect to the mounting axis
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a plug connector (1) for connecting a first fluid line to a mating connector (18), comprising a housing (2), wherein one end of the housing (2) is designed as a sleeve portion (6) with a receiving channel (8), wherein an adapter sleeve (10) can be inserted into the receiving channel (8) of the sleeve portion (6) and is releasably held in an interlocking manner in the receiving channel (8) in the axial direction. The adapter sleeve (10) has a through-opening (14) for a plug shank (16) of the mating connector (18) and a holding means (20) for releasably fixing the mating connector (18). A locking element (22), which is axially movable relative to the assembly axis (X), is arranged on an outer circumference (24) of the sleeve portion (6) so as to be movable from a release position, in which the holding means (20) is released, into a locking position, in which the holding means (20) is locked. The locking element (22) is in its release position on the sleeve portion (6) at least axially fixed against a movement into the locking position.