Press-Coupled Connector With Graduated Spring Force for Safe Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection devices for external functional devices in medical-technical, laboratory, and food production settings often lack a secure and efficient mechanism to attach and detach these devices without risking injury to operators, particularly due to the lack of a graduated force application that can differentiate between setup, working, and closed positions.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device with a receiving device and a pressing mechanism that applies different forces (F1 and F2) to transition from a set-up position to a working or closed position, using energy storage and force transmission devices like springs to ensure safe and secure attachment of external functional devices, such as hoses or disposable cassettes, while minimizing the risk of injury and optimizing coupling force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single high spring force is applied to move the contact section from set-up to working position, then secure coupling is achieved, but user injury risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring force application is segmented into two distinct phases: a first spring force (F1) for initial movement and a second spring force (F2) for final coupling. This segmentation allows the system to achieve secure coupling while controlling the force profile to minimize injury risk during different stages of the pressing operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring force parameter is changed between two distinct values (F1 and F2) depending on the position of the contact section. By varying the force parameter according to the operational stage, the system optimizes both safety and coupling effectiveness.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a graduated force application mechanism is implemented, then user safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing mechanism is segmented into distinct force application zones corresponding to different travel distances of the contact section. This spatial segmentation enables graduated force application without requiring complex control systems, as the force transition is achieved through the mechanical arrangement of spring elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-based pressing mechanism automatically provides graduated force application through its mechanical design, without requiring external control systems or complex actuation mechanisms. The system self-regulates the force profile based on the contact section's position.
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 device enables secure and efficient attachment of external functional devices with a graduated force application, reducing the risk of operator injury and improving coupling force while maintaining a simplified construction and reduced energy expenditure, allowing for better protection against deformation and wear.
Implementation Method 1
The pressing device is designed to move at least the first contact section from a first position, in particular a set-up position, into a second position by applying a first spring force F 1 and a larger second spring force F 2
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a connecting device (100) for connecting, in particular coupling, at least one external functional apparatus (1) to an arrangement (200) by means of pressing the external functional apparatus (1). The connecting device (100) comprises at least one receiving device (151) with at least one first contact section (111). Furthermore, at least one pressing device is designed to bring at least the first contact section (111) from a first position into the second position while applying a first force (F1) and a second force (F2). Both forces (F1) and (F2) have a different strength. The present invention further relates to a method for connecting at least one external functional apparatus (1) to an arrangement (200) and to an arrangement (200) comprising a connecting device (100) of said kind.