Pressure-Release Connector for Tool-Free Component Disassembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection systems, particularly snap-fit and latching mechanisms, are difficult to disassemble, often requiring destruction of components, which is problematic for recycling electronic waste and the recovery of valuable materials.
Innovation Solution
A connection system utilizing a compressible pre-tensioning element that changes volume with ambient pressure changes, allowing components to be separated automatically without tools by increasing pressure, using a compressible foam body or elastic casing filled with a fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If snap-fit or latching mechanisms are used to connect components, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of disassembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to be movable between a locked position (protruding into the locking recess) and an unlocked position (retracted). The pre-tensioning element provides dynamic force to move the locking element between these positions, enabling both strong connection when locked and easy disassembly when unlocked by pressure activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-tensioning element changes its physical state in response to pressure changes. Under increased ambient pressure, the pre-tensioning element compresses, reducing its length and causing the locking element to retract into the housing, thereby unlocking the connection. This parameter change enables automatic disassembly without manual intervention.
2Ease of operation
If traditional screw connections are used, then the ease of disassembly is improved, but the productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is pre-positioned and spring-loaded to automatically engage with the locking recess upon insertion of the connecting element. This preliminary action of automatic locking eliminates the need for manual tightening operations required by screw connections, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining ease of disassembly through pressure activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is self-actuating during assembly - the locking element automatically moves into the locked position when the connecting element is inserted, without requiring external tools or manual operations. The pre-tensioning element provides the necessary force automatically, making the system self-service and highly productive.
3Reliability
If locking elements are designed to be secure, then the reliability is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element features a visible portion with different colors or visual characteristics in locked versus unlocked positions. When locked, the locking element protrudes and displays one visual state; when unlocked by pressure, it retracts and displays another visual state, enabling easy visual detection of the locking status without complex measurement systems.
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 the easy and tool-free disassembly of connected components, facilitating the recycling of electronic waste by allowing components to be separated mechanically and efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
the pre-tensioning element is designed to be compressible such that it can be brought from an uncompressed initial position to a compressed pressure position by increasing an isotropic ambient pressure
Implementation Method 2
an envelope volume defined by the pre-tensioning element is smaller than in the initial position
Implementation Method 3
the pre-tensioning element assumes the pressure position in the release position
Implementation Method 4
using a compressible foam body or elastic casing filled with a fluid
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a connection system (10), in particular for force-lockingly and/or interlockingly connecting a first component (12) and a second component (14), wherein the connection system comprises a connector (28) with a housing (30), in which a coupling recess (32) defining a coupling longitudinal axis is designed for receiving a connection element (34), wherein a securing device (64) is formed or arranged on the housing for securing a connection element engaging into the coupling recess in a securing position, wherein the securing device comprises at least one securing element (66) which in turn comprises a pretensioning element (68), wherein the pretensioning element is designed to be compressible in such a way that, by increasing an isotropic ambient pressure, it can be brought from an uncompressed starting position to a compressed pressurised position, in which a casing volume defined by the pretensioning element is smaller than in the starting position, and wherein the pretensioning element adopts the pressurised position in a release position in which the connection element can be moved parallel to the coupling longitudinal axis.