Plug-in Connector Axial Latching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug-in couplings for connecting lines are prone to unintentional release under lateral loads or vibrations, and their design compromises between holding and releasing forces, leading to reliability issues and potential leaks due to asymmetrical loading of sealing elements.
Innovation Solution
A plug-in coupling design that requires two distinct steps for release, where the latching element must be consciously shifted into a release position and then actuated by an operating element to separate the coupling members, ensuring secure engagement and preventing unintentional disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the latching arms are designed to engage around the latching mating element, then the connection is secured, but the connection can be unintentionally released under lateral loads or vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The latching element is designed to be displaceable in the axial direction between a latching arm securing position and a latching arm release position. This dynamic positioning allows the system to transition from a secure locked state to a controlled release state, preventing unintentional release while maintaining the ability to disconnect when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
An operating element is provided that must be actuated to shift the latching arm into a separating position. This preliminary action requirement ensures that release only occurs after deliberate user intervention, preventing accidental disengagement under lateral loads or vibrations while maintaining easy intentional release.
2Ease of operation
If the latching element is made easily releasable, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability under lateral loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latching element can be displaced axially between securing and release positions, providing a controlled transition mechanism. This dynamic design allows easy intentional release through the operating element while maintaining high reliability under lateral loads during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating element serves as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the latching arm. Actuating this intermediate element shifts the latching arm into a separating position, providing an easy controlled release operation while maintaining connection stability during normal use.
3Device complexity
If the latching arms engage only a small angular range of the latching mating element, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability under lateral loads decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The displaceable latching element provides a dynamic securing mechanism that maintains reliable engagement under lateral loads without requiring complex multi-point engagement structures. The axial displacement capability ensures secure holding while keeping the angular engagement range limited, balancing simplicity and reliability.
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 enhances the reliability and security of the connection by requiring active intervention for release, preventing accidental disengagement and maintaining a self-locking connection until intentional release is initiated, thus improving safety and stability under various loads.
Implementation Method 1
a plug-in coupling for connecting two fluid lines is presented therein, the one fluid line having a holding rib. The plug-in coupling has a sleeve and a latching device which is guided in an axially displaceable manner in the sleeve and has, on a ring, holding arms which extend axially and are elastically flexible
Implementation Method 2
the hooks are pressed by means of a radially outer oblique surface against a front edge of an aperture
Data Source
AI summary
A plug-in connector for detachably connecting two lines has a first connector element, a second connector element, a carrier element to be fixed to the first connector element, and a latching element with at least one latching arm. The latching arm is disposed on the carrier element and when it is in a latching position, latches onto a matching latching element of the second connector element. The latching element is axially displaceable to assume a latching arm securing position and a latching arm release position relative to the carrier element. An operating element is provided on the carrier element for actuation in the latching arm release position to displace the latching arm into a separating position and which, when actuated in the latching arm securing position, retains the latching element in the latching arm securing position.