Push-Pull Coupling Locking Connector with Twist-Lock Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing push-pull coupling connectors lack enhanced security and reliability to prevent accidental disconnection, particularly in applications like hosepipes, where a single motion for disconnection can lead to unintended release.
Innovation Solution
A push-pull coupling connector with a user-operable lock mechanism featuring resilient latching extensions and a release control portion that moves between latching and release positions, utilizing camming surfaces and locking formations to securely engage and disengage the connector parts, and a twist-lock mechanism to prevent accidental disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single motion mechanism is used for disconnection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability decreases due to accidental disconnection risk
Solution Approach 1:
The disconnection mechanism is segmented into two independent motions: a first degree of freedom (longitudinal movement of the release control portion) that retracts latching formations, and a second degree of freedom (rotation of the release control portion) that moves locking formations. This segmentation ensures that both latching and locking must be intentionally actuated, preventing accidental disconnection while maintaining manageable complexity through modular functional separation.
2Reliability
If a lock mechanism with multiple degrees of freedom is added, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The release control portion is designed so that longitudinal movement (first degree of freedom) preliminary retracts the latching formations from engagement with latching surfaces before the locking formations can be actuated. This preliminary action sequence ensures that even if the locking mechanism is engaged, the latching must first be released, providing an additional safety layer while maintaining operational simplicity through intuitive sequential motion.
3Ease of manufacture
If resilient latching extensions are used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability decreases due to potential deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient latching extensions are designed with controlled elasticity parameters that allow temporary deformation during the release process. When the release control portion moves longitudinally, the latching extensions deform elastically to disengage from latching surfaces, then return to their original shape. This parameter-based design maintains manufacturing simplicity while ensuring reliable re-engagement, as the resilient nature provides automatic self-centering and consistent engagement force.
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 connector provides enhanced security and reliability by ensuring that the connection remains locked until intentionally released, reducing the risk of accidental disconnection due to vibrations or external forces, and allowing for easy disengagement with a controlled action.
Implementation Method 1
a said latching extension has a latching formation and is resiliently deformable to retract said latching formation to enable said second connector part to be pushed past said latching formation on mating
Implementation Method 2
said release control portion has one or more camming surfaces, wherein on movement of said release control portion into said first, locking position said one or more camming surfaces engage said plurality of latching extensions to move said latching extensions to retract said latching formations from engagement
Data Source
AI summary
A locking connector is provided that comprises first and second connector parts configured to releasably engage with one another along a longitudinal axis of the connector. The first connector part comprises a plurality of circumferentially disposed resiliently bendable latching fingers each finger attached at one end to the first connector and having an ear at an opposite end. The second connector part comprises one or more recesses to receive the ears of the fingers. The connector comprises a locking ring, moveable along the axis such that in a first position the ears engage in the recesses to lock the connector parts together, and in a second position the ears are free to move radially outwards to enable the connector parts to be separated.