Pneumatic Plug Connection Actuating Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pneumatic connections face challenges such as high force requirements for insertion, potential for 'whip crack' during disconnection, and difficulty in one-handed operation due to complex valve configurations and venting mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A feed connector with a displaced actuating element that has three positions: one allowing medium delivery, another blocking delivery while mechanically locking the connection, and an intermediate position where the connection is vented to the atmosphere, preventing sudden release and enabling secure one-handed operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a check valve is used to block the pneumatic supply line when no mating connection part is inserted, then the pneumatic system can maintain pressure, but a comparatively large force is required to insert the mating connector against the check valve pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element is divided into three distinct positions: first position (delivery open), intermediate position (vented), and second position (delivery blocked). This segmentation allows the system to separate the functions of pressure maintenance and connection insertion, enabling venting before full connection to reduce insertion force.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate position performs preliminary venting action before the mating connector is fully inserted into the delivery position. By预先 opening the vent channel in the intermediate position, the system prepares for easy insertion by reducing pressure buildup, allowing the connector to be inserted with minimal force.
2Ease of operation
If the mating connection part is mechanically released while pneumatic pressure is still present, then the connection can be detached, but a whip crack effect occurs causing uncontrolled movement and safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary venting in the intermediate position before allowing mechanical release to the second position. This preliminary action removes pneumatic pressure while the blocking means are still engaged, ensuring that when the connection is mechanically released, no whip crack effect occurs because the line is already depressurized.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent channel provides beforehand cushioning by gradually reducing pneumatic pressure during the transition to the second position. This prevents sudden pressure release and uncontrolled movement of the mating connection part, eliminating the whip crack hazard before mechanical release occurs.
3Reliability
If blocking means are used to mechanically hold the mating connection part, then secure connection is achieved, but both hands are required to operate the actuating element for safe release
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating element is segmented into three positions with distinct functions: the intermediate position allows venting while maintaining mechanical locking, and the second position allows mechanical release with vented line. This segmentation enables one-handed operation by providing a safe intermediate state where pressure is removed before release.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate position acts as an intermediary state between full connection and full release. In this position, the vent channel is opened to depressurize the line while the blocking means remain engaged to hold the mating connector. This intermediary state mediates between maintaining mechanical security and enabling safe one-handed operation.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a plug connection comprising a feed connection part (1) and a compatible mating connection part, said feed connection part (1) and mating connection part being connectable to each other in order to form the plug connection. Gaseous media can be delivered through the plug connection when the plug connection is in the connected state. The plug connection consisting of the feed connection part (1) and the mating connection part has a first position in which the gaseous medium can be delivered through the plug connection and in which the feed connection part and the compatible mating connection part are connected to each other in a formfitting manner (12, 302; 12, 1404; 12, 1102). The plug connection consisting of the feed connection part (1) and the mating connection part has a second position in which the feed connection of the gaseous medium is blocked (5, 6, 9, 10) and in which the mating connection part is no longer connected to the feed connection part (1) in a formfitting manner (12, 13, 301; 12, 501, 502; 12, 601, 602; 12, 801, 802; 12, 1101; 12, 1401, 1402, 1403). An intermediate position in which the feed connection of the gaseous medium is blocked (5, 6, 9, 10) and the mating connection part is open (16, 17, 18, 19, 20) to the surrounding atmosphere is provided between the first position and the second position, the feed connection part (1) and the mating connection part being connected to each other in a formfitting manner (12, 302; 12, 1404; 12, 1102) in said intermediate position. According to the invention, the mating connection part is connected to the surrounding atmosphere via at least one ventilating channel (16, 18, 17, 403) in said intermediate position, and the at least one ventilating channel (16, 18, 17, 403) runs at least partly (403) between the interior of the mating connection part receiving area in the feed connection part (1) and the mating connection part.