Quick Connection Array Radial Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional quick-connection arrangements for media lines and sockets are difficult to disconnect and reuse without significant effort or damage, as they often require tools and are not designed for non-destructive disconnection.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating radially opposite locking and unlocking elements that can be actuated to securely connect and easily release the media line from the socket, allowing for quick and simple reconnection without damaging the components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional quick-connection arrangements are designed to establish secure connections quickly, then connection speed and reliability are improved, but disconnection becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into multiple independent locking elements (at least two) distributed around the connection interface. Each locking element can be independently actuated by unlocking elements, allowing the connection to be released in segments rather than requiring complete disassembly, thus reducing disconnection time while maintaining secure locking during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements are designed to be dynamically switchable between locked and unlocked states. The unlocking elements can radially displace the locking elements from their locking position to a released position, enabling the connection to transition from a secure locked state to an easily separable unlocked state, resolving the contradiction between secure connection and easy disconnection
2Reliability
If locking elements are designed to hold the media line securely in the longitudinal direction, then connection reliability is improved, but disconnection requires significant force or tools
Solution Approach 1:
The unlocking elements act in the radial direction to displace the locking elements, while the locking force is applied in the longitudinal direction. By applying force in a different dimension (radial vs. longitudinal), the locking elements can be released without requiring significant longitudinal force or special tools, making disconnection easier while maintaining strong longitudinal holding during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The unlocking elements serve as intermediary components that mediate between the external operator and the locking elements. Instead of directly applying force to the locking elements to release them, the unlocking elements translate radial displacement into the release of longitudinal locking, reducing the effort and tools needed for disconnection while maintaining reliable locking during operation
3Loss of time
If the connection is designed for quick assembly, then assembly time is reduced, but the connection cannot be reused after separation
Solution Approach 1:
The connection components, particularly the locking and unlocking elements, are designed to be recovered intact after use. The modular design with distributed locking elements allows the connection to be separated without damage to the components, enabling them to be reused multiple times. This resolves the contradiction by ensuring that quick assembly does not lead to single-use disposal, but rather enables repeated assembly and disassembly cycles
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a quick connection array (3) for detachably connecting a media line (2) by way of a (SAE) connecting piece (1), comprising a housing (4) having an opening (48) for receiving the media line (2), and a connecting piece opening (41) for receiving the (SAE) connecting piece (1), so that between the media line (2) and the (SAE) connecting piece (1), a medium can be guided through the housing (4). Said quick connection array further comprises a locking body (5) for locking the (SAE) connecting piece (1) in the connecting piece opening (41), which is essentially arranged inside the connecting piece opening (1), and which is provided with at least two, essentially radially acting locking elements (51) for locking the (SAE) connecting piece (1) in the connecting piece opening (41) in a longitudinal direction A. The locking body (5) is further provided with at least two, essentially radially acting unlocking elements (55), designed to make it possible to undo the locking of the (SAE) connecting piece (1) by the locking elements (51) when actuated.