Rotary Locking Coupling for Fluid Hoses

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coupling systems for hoses require complex assembly processes due to the handling of separate locking springs, which can be difficult and costly, especially in tight spaces, and are prone to component loss.

Innovation Solution

A coupling system where the locking mechanism is actuated by a rotational movement of the locking body, minimizing components and using radial elevations to secure the connection, allowing for simple and secure locking with minimal force and stress, and incorporating a sealing element for fluid-tight sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate locking spring is used to secure the connection, then the connection can be secured against axial movement, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidassembly process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking function is merged with the locking body itself. The locking body (20) integrates the locking mechanism directly into its structure, eliminating the need for a separate locking spring. The locking body can be rotated to engage and disengage locking elements (24) that directly secure the connection, combining what were previously separate components into one unified element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking spring is extracted from the system entirely. By removing the separate locking spring component and replacing it with a rotationally actuated locking body that has integrated locking elements, the assembly process is simplified while maintaining the security function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If a separate locking spring is used, then the connection can be secured, but the locking spring can be lost during assembly or delivery

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidcomponent loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The locking function is merged with the locking body itself. The locking body (20) integrates the locking mechanism directly into its structure, eliminating the need for a separate locking spring. The locking body can be rotated to engage and disengage locking elements (24) that directly secure the connection, combining what were previously separate components into one unified element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If a separate locking spring is used, then the connection can be secured, but handling the locking spring becomes difficult and expensive in tight spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking function is merged with the locking body itself. The locking body (20) integrates the locking mechanism directly into its structure, eliminating the need for a separate locking spring. The locking body can be rotated to engage and disengage locking elements (24) that directly secure the connection, combining what were previously separate components into one unified element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The manual manipulation of a flexible locking spring is replaced with a rotational movement of the rigid locking body. This substitution of mechanical action simplifies the assembly process, especially in tight spaces, as rotational movement is easier to control and requires less dexterity than manipulating a spring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If multiple components are used in the coupling system, then the locking function can be achieved, but the number of assembly steps increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking functionVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking function is merged with the locking body itself. The locking body (20) integrates the locking mechanism directly into its structure, eliminating the need for a separate locking spring. The locking body can be rotated to engage and disengage locking elements (24) that directly secure the connection, combining what were previously separate components into one unified element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables quick and easy assembly with reduced component count, improved durability, and secure locking, while minimizing assembly forces and preventing component loss, ensuring a stable and reliable connection.

Implementation Method 1

The engagement element (24) is moved by a spring element (22) radially through the recess (14) into the interior of the coupling body (11) during the rotational movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The engagement element (24) can engage behind a first radial elevation (32) of the connection body (31) and block it in the longitudinal direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2990708B1Coupling system for connecting two fluid conducting elements
Publication Date: 2018.05.09 CONTITECH MGW GMBH
  • EP2990708B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2990708B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2990708B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a coupling system (10, 20) for connecting two media-carrying elements with a coupling body (11) which has a first coupling area (12) for receiving a connecting body (31) of a media-carrying element in its interior, and a locking body (21) which is arranged at least partially in the first coupling area (12) around the coupling body (11), wherein the coupling body (11) has at least one recess (14) in its first coupling area (12) and wherein the locking body (21) has at least one engagement element (24) which is positioned in a first position outside the interior of the coupling body (11) and projects radially into the interior of the coupling body (11) through the recess (14) in a second position: The coupling system (10, 20) is characterized in thatthat the engagement element (24) can be moved between the first position and the second position by a rotational movement.