Quick Connect Arrangement Dual Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick-connect arrangements for media lines to SAE sockets do not reliably indicate proper latching, which can lead to uncontrolled detachment and potential hazards like fuel leaks and vehicle fires, especially in the automotive industry.
Innovation Solution
A quick-connect arrangement featuring an inner locking element that first locks the socket within the housing, followed by an outer locking element, allowing for visual and tactile confirmation of the locking state, ensuring a secure and easy-to-check connection that can be quickly and non-destructively disconnected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single locking mechanism is used for quick connection, then the connection speed is fast, but the reliability of proper latching cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two independent elements: an inner locking element that engages first with the socket, and an outer locking element that engages second. This segmentation allows each element to perform a specific locking function, ensuring reliable latching while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner locking element performs the preliminary locking action by engaging the socket first during the connection process. Only after this preliminary locking is achieved does the outer locking element engage to complete the secure connection. This sequential preliminary action ensures proper latching sequence and reliability.
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then the connection reliability is improved, but the ease of detecting proper latching is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The outer locking element incorporates visual indicators (such as colored elements or visible positioning features) that change appearance or position depending on whether the locking element is engaged or disengaged. This allows users to easily detect the latching state at a glance without complex detection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer locking element acts as an intermediary between the secure internal locking mechanism and the user. It provides tactile and visual feedback that translates the internal locking state into easily detectable external signals, making the latching state obvious without exposing the complex internal mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If a two-stage locking mechanism is used, then the visual and tactile detection of locking state is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outer locking element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the second stage of mechanical locking, offers visual indicators for latching state verification, and provides tactile feedback through its engagement position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual indicator features are merged directly into the structure of the outer locking element itself, rather than being separate components. The locking element's geometry and positioning features serve both the mechanical locking function and the visual/tactile indication function, combining multiple features into a single integrated component.
Data Source
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AI summary
A quick connection arrangement is for detachably connecting a medium line to a (SAE) connecting piece. The quick connection arrangement includes a housing having an opening for receiving the medium line and a connecting piece opening for receiving the (SAE) connecting piece so as to permit a medium to flow through the housing between the medium line and the (SAE) connecting piece. An inner locking element for locking the (SAE) connecting piece in the connecting piece opening is arranged essentially inside the connecting piece opening. An outer locking element is for locking the inner locking element when the (SAE) connecting piece is locked. The inner locking element is arranged essentially outside of the connecting piece opening.