Push-In Coupling Locking Ring for Temperature-Stable Fluid Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing couplings for fluid lines face challenges in ensuring secure locking and tightness under temperature stress, particularly when composed of plastic parts.

Innovation Solution

A coupling design featuring a locking element adjustable between open and locked positions, with a lever-like section and a pivot axis, and components predominantly made of plastic to prevent deformation under temperature stress, utilizing snap-fit connections and anti-rotation devices for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If locking elements and locking ring are made of plastic to enable reversible detachment, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability under temperature stress deteriorates due to potential deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereversible detachmentVSAvoidlocking stability under temperature stress
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is designed with a pivot axis enabling it to assume different positions (open, intermediate, locked) relative to the locking ring. This dynamic positioning allows the plastic components to engage and disengage reliably through controlled movement rather than relying solely on material rigidity, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and temperature stress reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling device is divided into separate functional components: coupling sleeve, locking element, locking ring, and plug. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the locking element can pivot while the locking ring remains relatively stable, enabling reversible operation without compromising overall structural reliability under temperature variations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If locking element is designed with pivot axis for easy positioning, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking element positioningVSAvoidmechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pivot axis for the locking element is integrated directly into the coupling sleeve structure rather than being a separate component. The locking element pivots on an axis that is part of the coupling sleeve's wall, combining the support function with the rotational function. This merging reduces overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element's pivot axis is designed to work with the natural insertion motion of the plug. As the plug is inserted, it automatically guides the locking element into its locked position through the pivot axis mechanism without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems. The structure serves itself through the insertion motion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Ensures secure locking and tightness of fluid lines under temperature stress while preventing plastic deformation, facilitating quick and tool-free attachment and preventing unintentional unlocking.

Implementation Method 1

mit dem mindestens einen elastischen Element (8), das auf den Verschlussring (6) einen Halteeffekt in Richtung der offenen Position ausübt

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

schnelle und werkzeuglose Befestigung an einem Rohr (3) oder Schlauch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP4562333B1Push-in connector for connecting conduits for liquid or gaseous media
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 HENN GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4562333B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4562333B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4562333B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a reversibly releasable coupling for a push-in connection on pipes (3) and tubes, for connection to a tubular connector (1) that has at least one latching shoulder or latching edge (2) that at least partially surrounds an outer circumference. When the connector (1) is completely inserted, at least one locking element (5) is in a locking position in which a locking portion (7) is pivoted onto the connector (1) and, by means of a latching edge, fixedly engages behind a latching shoulder or latching edge (2) of the connector (1). In this locking position, the locking portion (7) is completely within the blocking ring (6), which is thus axially released. An elastic element (8) urges the blocking ring (6) axially from an open position into a blocking position that completely overlaps the locking portion (7). The locking element (5) can be pivoted with respect to the coupling sleeve (4) about a pivot axis (S) between an open position and a locking position. It has a lever-like portion (9) that extends in the circumferential direction of the coupling sleeve (4) and, in the open position, is latched with respect to the coupling sleeve (4). When the connector (1) is inserted, portion (9) is released from the latched position.