Rotary Sleeve Connector Locking for Verifiable Fluid Line Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for liquid or gaseous media connections are prone to faults and lack clear verification of proper joining, leading to potential misconnections.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a locking element with legs that secure the connection, distributed around the circumference, and an opening sleeve that rotates to switch between locking and release positions, assisted by a spring element and anti-rotation device, with visual and machine-readable indicators for confirmation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking element with distributed legs is used, then connection reliability and anti-tilting performance are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is segmented into multiple legs (at least three) distributed around the circumference of the connector body. Each leg independently engages with the mating connector through through-openings, providing distributed locking points that prevent tilting and enhance connection reliability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the connector are assigned different functions: the first sheath section provides receiving space, the locking element provides securing function, the opening sleeve provides actuation function, and indicator elements provide verification function. This localized functional assignment optimizes each component's performance while keeping the overall device complexity manageable.
2Ease of operation
If an opening sleeve with cam guide is added to control locking element movement, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The opening sleeve is designed as a rotatable dynamic component that controls the locking element's position. When rotated, the cam guide dynamically transitions the locking element between locked and unlocked states, providing intuitive and easy operation while concentrating the control mechanism in a single movable component rather than requiring complex actuation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam guide acts as an intermediary mechanism between the opening sleeve's rotational motion and the locking element's radial movement. It translates the rotational input into the desired radial displacement of the locking legs, simplifying the user's interaction while managing the complexity of the motion transformation internally.
3Measurement precision
If visual indicators and machine-readable codes are integrated, then measurement precision of connection status is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Indicator elements are provided that change their visibility or appearance based on the connection status. When the locking element is properly engaged, indicator elements become visible through the first sheath section, providing clear visual confirmation of correct connection. This simple visual indication system enhances measurement precision of connection status without requiring complex sensing or display systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Machine-readable codes (such as data matrix codes or barcodes) are integrated into the connector structure as informational copies of connection status. These codes can be scanned and read by external devices to verify proper joining, providing precise verification capability while using simple graphical patterns that can be directly molded or printed onto the connector body without adding mechanical complexity.
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 a secure, symmetrical, and easily verifiable connection, reducing the risk of misconnection and tilting, while providing a robust and reliable connection mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
spring element which acts on the opening sleeve in such a way that the opening sleeve is forced into the closed position by means of the spring element
Implementation Method 2
The opening sleeve may be provided with a cam guide by means of which the locking element can be displaced radially when the opening sleeve is rotated
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a connector (2) for connecting lines for liquid or gaseous media, comprising - a connector body (4) which has at least a first sheath section (11) with a receiving space (14) for receiving a part of a mating connector (3), wherein at least one passage opening (15) is formed in the first sheath section (11);- a locking element (7) which is provided for securing the connector (2) relative to the mating connector (3), characterized in that the locking element (7) has a first leg (17) and a second leg (18), wherein the first leg (17) is designed to project radially into the receiving space (14) through the through-opening (15) in a locking position (8) in order to establish a positive connection with the mating connector (3) and in a release position (9) to be retracted radially outwards from the receiving space (14) to such an extent as to release the mating connector (3) for withdrawal from the receiving space (14).