Plug Connection Wedge Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug connections for fluid lines require complex handling procedures and lack efficient locking mechanisms, leading to potential misalignment and unreliable plugging control.
Innovation Solution
A plug connection design where a movable locking element acts as a drive element to automatically move the holding element and plug shank into a locked position, utilizing a wedge slide mechanism that amplifies force with minimal finger pressure, simplifying the assembly process and ensuring secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking device with radially deformable holding element and locking element is used to ensure reliable locking, then the reliability of plugging control is improved, but the complexity of the assembly and handling is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is integrated with the plug shank as a single component, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms. The locking element features a wedge-shaped cross-section that combines the locking function with the structural integrity of the plug shank, simplifying the overall assembly while maintaining reliable locking control.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element automatically engages with the holding element through its wedge-shaped geometry. When the plug shank is inserted into the receiving opening, the locking element's wedge shape forces the holding element to deform radially outward, creating automatic locking without requiring additional manual operation or complex mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If manual manipulation of holding element and plug shank is required to achieve locked position, then the ease of operation is worsened, but the control over locking process is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element's wedge-shaped cross-section enables automatic locking when the plug shank is inserted. The wedge shape forces the holding element to deform radially outward automatically, eliminating the need for manual manipulation of the holding element and plug shank to achieve the locked position, thus significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element changes its radial dimension through elastic deformation when engaged with the holding element. This parameter change allows the locking element to transition from a smaller radial dimension during insertion to a larger radial dimension in the locked position, enabling automatic locking without manual intervention.
3Ease of operation
If the locking element is made movable relative to the plug part to enable forced movement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is integrated with the plug shank as a single component, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms. The locking element features a wedge-shaped cross-section that combines the locking function with the structural integrity of the plug shank, simplifying the overall assembly while maintaining reliable locking control.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element automatically engages with the holding element through its wedge-shaped geometry. When the plug shank is inserted into the receiving opening, the locking element's wedge shape forces the holding element to deform radially outward, creating automatic locking without requiring additional manual operation or complex mechanisms.
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
The solution simplifies the handling of plug connections by allowing easy actuation with light finger pressure and ensures 100% reliable plugging control through automatic axial movement of the holding element and plug shank, enhancing the overall usability and reliability of the connector.
Implementation Method 1
the locking element is designed as a wedge slide that can be displaced on the plug part in a region lying axially between the holding element and an abutment element of the plug part transversely to the plug-in axle, which wedge slide increases an axial distance between the holding element and the abutment element for the forced movement via a wedge surface
Implementation Method 2
the locking device consisting of a radially deformable holding element arranged on the plug shank... the holding element being interposed in a form-fitting manner at least in regions n corresponding holding surfaces of the receiving opening and the plug shank is seated
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~8
Figure 9~11
AI summary
The present invention relates to a plug connection for fluid conduits, comprising a connector part (2), which sealed around the periphery can be inserted with a connector shaft (4) into a receiving opening (6) of a housing part (8) in the direction of a plug axis (X), and comprising a locking device for detachably arresting the connector part (2) in the inserted connection position thereof. The locking device comprises a radially deformable retaining element (16) disposed on the connector shaft (4) and a locking element (18). The retaining element (16) and the connector shaft (4) can be moved in the axial direction relative to each other between a released position and a retained position such that the connector shaft (4) – either in the released position can be inserted into the receiving opening (6) or can be removed from the receiving opening (6) – or in the retained position can be positively arrested in the connection position thereof, in that the retaining element (16) is seated positively at least in some regions between corresponding retaining surfaces (20, 22) of the receiving opening (6) and the connector shaft (4). In a catch position, the locking element (18) positively blocks the axial relative movement between the retaining element (16) and the connector shaft (4) in the retained position to prevent a move into the released position. To this end, the locking element (18) can be moved relative to the connector part (2) between a released position and a catch position and is configured such that during the movement from the released position into the catch position it also acts as a driving element for a forced movement of the retaining element (16) and connector shaft (4) out of the released positions thereof into the retained positions thereof.