Plug Coupling Reducing Insertion Force via Elastic Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug-in connections for pipelines require high insertion forces, complex manufacturing processes, and additional assembly steps, making them costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A plug-in connection design where the support element and holding element are inserted together into the outer part, with the support element arranged behind the holding element, allowing for lower axial forces during insertion and eliminating the need for pre-assembly of the support element on the inner part, utilizing an annular gap for release and a sealing ring for centering and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the support element is pushed onto the plug-in pin before insertion and expanded via a conical surface, then the holding element can be locked into place, but high axial forces are required during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is pre-mounted on the plug-in pin before insertion into the outer part. This preliminary preparation allows the support element to be in position to receive and expand the holding element during insertion, ensuring reliable locking while reducing the force needed compared to expanding during insertion
Solution Approach 2:
The support element is designed to be elastically deformable, allowing it to expand radially when the holding element is inserted and then spring back to maintain continuous contact and locking force throughout the connection lifecycle
2Reliability
If the holding element is expanded by pressing during the plug-in process, then locking is achieved, but the plug-in process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element is designed to expand automatically through its own elastic deformation when pressed during insertion. The element serves itself by converting the insertion motion directly into radial expansion and locking action, eliminating the need for separate expansion mechanisms or additional actuation steps
3Manufacturing precision
If pre-assembly of the support element on the inner part is required, then proper positioning is achieved, but additional assembly steps and costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is pre-assembled on the plug-in pin during manufacturing, ensuring precise positioning and orientation before the final assembly step. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures during final assembly, improving both precision and efficiency
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 reduces insertion forces, simplifies production, eliminates pre-assembly steps, and allows for a more compact and cost-effective plug-in connection with improved centering and sealing, suitable for drawn tubes and standardized connections.
Implementation Method 1
an annular retaining element which is elastically deformable in the radial direction is arranged
Implementation Method 2
an annular support element, which can be deformed elastically in the radial direction, is arranged
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The connection has inner and outer parts (1, 2) connected with one another in a detachable manner. Elastically deformable retaining and supporting units (3, 4) are arranged in an inner recess (14) and an outer recess of the outer and inner parts, respectively. The inner recess is dimensioned in a large size, such that the units (3, 4) are accommodated commonly by the inner recess when a plug pivot (5) of the inner part is extended through the inner recess. A front end of the pivot has a conical centering surface that has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the supporting unit.