Rotatable Push-In Connector Socket for Accessible Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing push-in connectors for media lines in automobiles face difficulties in accessibility during installation and dismantling due to fixed actuation positions, which are often hard to reach, especially in confined or difficult-to-access areas.
Innovation Solution
A push-in connector design featuring two socket sections that can be interlocked at different rotational angles, with an anti-rotation lock and a radially movable locking member, allowing the actuation element to be positioned optimally for easy access, and a compact construction that includes a sealing element for media integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the actuation element is fixed at a specific placement on the circumference of the receiving part, then the locking mechanism is simple and reliable, but the accessibility to the actuation element becomes poor in difficult-to-access installation positions
Solution Approach 1:
The socket part is divided into two separate socket sections that can be rotated relative to each other. The actuation element is placed on one socket section while the retaining rib is on the other, allowing independent positioning of each component to optimize accessibility without complicating the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket sections are designed with rotational freedom relative to each other, allowing the actuation element's position to be dynamically adjusted during installation. This dynamic positioning capability enables workers to access the actuation element from different angles without requiring a complex adjustable mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the socket part consists of two interlocked sections that can be set at different rotational angles, then the accessibility to the actuation element is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The socket part is segmented into two independently rotatable sections, each capable of being positioned at different rotational angles. This segmentation allows the actuation element to be oriented optimally for accessibility while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The two socket sections serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the connector, enable rotational adjustment for accessibility, and maintain the sealing and locking functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components that would increase complexity.
3Reliability
If a tool is required to release the latched condition via the position indicator, then the locking is secure, but the ease of dismantling is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation element is designed to be manually operable without requiring external tools. The element can be pressed or actuated directly by hand to release the locking mechanism, combining secure locking during operation with easy manual release when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring a tool to pull or manipulate the position indicator for release, the mechanism is inverted so that direct pressure or actuation on the actuation element itself releases the lock. This reverses the operation from tool-assisted to tool-free while maintaining security during normal operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A push-in connector for releasably connecting the ends of two media lines consists of a push-in part (2) and a socket part (1) composed of a first socket section (3) and a second socket section (5). In the installed condition, the push-in part (2) is axially latched in the second socket section (5) and accommodated in a manner that is rotatable about its axis, whereas the second socket section (5) can be accommodated in the first socket section (3) at different rotational angles about the common axis (18) in an axially latched manner. The second socket section (5) carries an actuation element (7) that is movable between a latched position shown by an axial pull-out safety device of the push-in part (2) and an unlatched position in which this pull-out safety device is lifted. This embodiment means that the rotational angular position of the second socket section (5) carrying the actuation element (7) with respect to the push-in part (2) as well as to the first socket section (3), and thus the actuation position of the push-in connector, can be adapted to the respective installation conditions, such that unencumbered access to the actuation element (7) is obtained.