Two-Part Plug-In Coupling for Flush One-Sided Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug-in couplings are aesthetically unpleasing and require components to be accessible from both sides for installation, making them difficult to install and connect when only accessible from one side.
Innovation Solution
A two-piece plug-in coupling design featuring a male bolt element with a locking head and a female coupling element having a flat head section with a hollow-cylindrical connecting structure and radially inward-projecting locking webs, allowing for one-sided installation and secure locking without protruding beyond the component surface, enhancing aesthetics and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional multi-part plug-in coupling with intermediate parts and ball-headed bolts is used, then connection reliability is achieved, but the installation requires accessibility from both sides and the coupling protrudes beyond the component surface
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into two separate elements: a female coupling element with a flat head that installs into one component, and a male coupling element that installs into the other component. This segmentation allows each element to be installed independently from one side, eliminating the need for two-sided accessibility while preventing protrusion beyond the component surface.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the male ball-headed bolt protrude beyond the surface (as in traditional designs), the invention inverts the approach by using a female coupling element with a flat head that sits flush with the component surface. The male element is received within the female element, reversing the traditional protrusion configuration.
2Ease of operation
If a female coupling element with a ball socket protrudes beyond the component surface to accommodate a male coupling element, then connection functionality is achieved, but aesthetics are compromised and vibration damping is required
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling function is segmented between a female element that provides the ball socket and flat head for flush mounting, and a separate male element that provides the ball head for insertion. This segmentation allows the female element to maintain surface flushness while still enabling complete connection functionality through the male element.
3Ease of operation
If coupling elements are designed to be installed from one side only, then installation ease is improved, but the coupling structure becomes more complex requiring integral locking structures
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged into the basic structure of the female coupling element through integral locking webs that form part of the single-piece construction. These locking webs are built directly into the female element during manufacturing, combining the structural support and locking functions into one integrated component rather than requiring separate locking mechanisms.
4Reliability
If traditional plug-in couplings are used, then connection reliability is achieved, but the number of parts increases requiring intermediate parts and multiple coupling elements
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is segmented into exactly two elements (female and male), eliminating the need for intermediate parts while maintaining reliability. Each element is a complete, self-contained component that can be installed independently, reducing the total part count compared to traditional multi-part systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The female coupling element serves multiple functions: it provides the ball socket for connection, the flat head for flush mounting, and the integral locking webs for secure retention. This multi-functionality in a single element eliminates the need for separate intermediate parts and reduces overall system 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
Enables aesthetically pleasing connections between components with one-sided accessibility, ensuring secure locking and vibration resistance while maintaining a flush appearance.
Implementation Method 1
a circumferential or a plurality of resilient locking webs (42) which outwardly project from a radially outer side of the connection structure (20), form an installation gap with the head section (10) for accommodating the component
Implementation Method 2
the locking webs have an inner cavity, so that the locking webs are radially inwardly deformable
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention discloses a coupling element (1, 1') of a two-part plug-in coupling, which comprises the following features: a flat head section (10), from which a female hollow-cylinder-like connecting structure (20) extends perpendicularly in an installation direction of the coupling element (1), which connecting structure comprises a locking web projecting radially inwards on a radially inner side (30) so that a male pin element, in particular a ball pin, can be inserted into the hollow-cylinder-like connecting structure (20) opposite to the installation direction (I) and can be locked there, or a male cylinder-like connecting structure (20', B, V) extends, which comprises an axially extending pin (B) which has a latching head (V), such that the male cylinder-like connecting structure (20', B, V) can be inserted in a female receiving element (20) and locked there, wherein on a radially outer side (40) the coupling element comprises an integral locking structure which has a circumferential, or a plurality of regularly arranged, outward projecting elastic latching strips (42) which, together with the head section (10), form an installation slot for receiving the component (II), so that the female or the male coupling element (1; 1') can project into the opening (O) of the component (II) with a relative movement in the installation direction between coupling part (1) and component (II).