Plug Connector Locking Indicator for Visible Connection Status
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug connectors for liquid or gaseous media lack clear indication of correct connection and locking status, making it difficult to ensure proper assembly and safety.
Innovation Solution
A plug connector design featuring a connector body with passages for a locking element and an indicator element that shifts from a rest to an indicator position when correctly connected, providing a visible signal for correct alignment and locking through an indicator surface, which can be machine-readable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking element is used to secure the plug connector, then the connection reliability is improved, but it cannot be clearly determined whether the locking element is correctly locked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a visual feedback mechanism through an indicator element that changes position or appearance to provide information about the locking status. The indicator element is coupled to the locking element and moves to a visible position when the locking element is correctly locked, giving immediate visual confirmation to the operator without requiring additional detection devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator element serves as an intermediary between the locking element and the observer. It translates the internal locking mechanism's state into an externally visible signal, allowing the locking status to be detected without directly observing the locking element itself, which may be hidden within the connector assembly.
2Ease of operation
If the indicator element is always visible, then the connection status is easily identifiable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator element transitions from a static to a dynamic design, changing its position or visibility state based on the locking condition. When the locking element is engaged, the indicator element moves to a visible position; when disengaged, it remains hidden or in a different position. This dynamic behavior provides clear status indication without requiring the indicator to be permanently visible or complex.
Data Source
AI summary
A plug connector for connecting lines for liquid or gaseous media, includes a connector body and a locking element for securing the plug connector relative to a mating plug connector. Moreover, an indicator element and a guide receptacle for receiving the indicator element in a displaceable manner are formed, wherein the indicator element is received in the guide receptacle such that the indicator element is displaceable between a rest position and an indicator position, wherein the indicator element has an indicator surface, which is visible in the indicator position of the indicator element and, in the rest position of the indicator element, is at least partially concealed, wherein the indicator surface, when it is visible, serves to signal that the plug connector is plugged into the mating plug connector correctly, and/or that the locking element is locked correctly.