Radial Locking Connector for Incomplete Assembly Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for hoses and pipes lack reliable mechanisms to secure the locking state and quickly detect incorrect assembly, especially when conveying pressurized media, posing a risk of separation and leakage.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a radially pluggable locking element that interacts with a retaining element, allowing visual and tactile verification of correct assembly, and includes a locking device to prevent incomplete insertion and secure the connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking device is added to secure the locking state and indicate incorrect assembly, then the reliability of the connector is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is integrated with the retaining element to form a unified assembly. The locking element combines both the locking function (securing the locking state) and the indication function (visual/tactile feedback) within a single integrated structure that interacts with the retaining element's retaining arm, thereby improving reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a radially pluggable locking element is used to indicate incorrect assembly, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radially pluggable locking element automatically provides visual and tactile indication of correct or incorrect assembly through its own radial position. When the retaining arm is in the locked position, the locking element can be radially removed; when incorrectly assembled, it remains radially engaged. This self-indicating mechanism improves ease of operation without requiring external verification tools or complex additional components.
3Reliability
If the locking device interacts with the retaining element to prevent incomplete insertion, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is pre-configured in a radially engaged position that blocks the retaining arm during the assembly process. This preliminary blocking action forces the assembler to complete the full insertion before the locking element can be radially removed. The design ensures that the retaining arm must first achieve complete insertion to create the clearance needed for radial removal of the locking element, thereby guaranteeing reliable complete insertion while maintaining straightforward assembly operation.
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 and reliable connections by visually and tactily indicating incorrect assembly, preventing separation under pressure, and providing additional safety against pulling and lateral forces.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one retaining arm has a free end and an end fixed to the retaining element body and is spring-elastically movable in the radial direction with respect to the plug part for locking the at least one locking lug onto at least one locking surface or a locking opening of the socket part and releasing it from there
Data Source
Figure 1~1c
Figure 1d~2
Figure 2a~2f
AI summary
The invention relates to a connector (1), comprising at least one socket part (3) and at least one plug part (2), wherein the plug part (2) is/can be inserted into a socket section (31) of the socket part (3), and wherein at least one retaining element (4) is provided for detachably retaining the plug part (2, 200) in the socket part (3), and wherein the plug part (2) is/can be provided with the retaining element (4) and the retaining element (4) has at least one retaining arm (42, 43) with at least one outwardly projecting engaging catch (40, 41), wherein the at least one retaining arm (42, 43) has a free end and an end secured to the retaining element body and can be spring-elastically moved in the radial direction in relation to the plug part (2) for blocking the at least one engaging catch (40, 41) on at least one blocking surface or a blocking opening (35, 36) of the socket part (3) and releasing it from same, and wherein at least one locking device (5) is provided for securing the blocking status of the plug part (2) and socket part (3) and for indicating an incorrect assembly thereof, wherein the at least one locking device (5) cooperates with the at least one retaining element (4), and the at least one locking device is a radially insertable locking element (5) that cooperates with the retaining element (4) in the region of the at least one retaining arm (42, 43) thereof.