Rotating Locking Ring with Resilient Protrusion for Quick Connector Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current connector arrangements for tubular connections in vehicle engine compartments are complex, time-consuming, and costly to assemble, requiring improved solutions for quick and secure mounting.
Innovation Solution
A tubular connector element with an annular locking ring featuring radial wing elements and a resilient protrusion that snaps into place for secure locking, accompanied by an audible 'click' for confirmation, facilitating easy assembly and reducing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional screw connections or bayonet-type fastening devices are used, then secure connection is achieved, but assembly time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring is divided into multiple independent wing elements (at least two) that can be inserted into corresponding guide sections separately. This segmentation allows for simpler, faster assembly while maintaining secure connection through the combined action of multiple locking points
Solution Approach 2:
The locking ring is designed to be rotatable around the connector element, transforming from a static fastening device to a dynamic one. The rotation mechanism enables quick engagement and disengagement, reducing assembly time while the resilient protrusion provides dynamic locking feedback to ensure connection security
2Reliability
If complex fastening mechanisms are used to ensure reliable connection, then connection security improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted from complex threaded or multi-component bayonet mechanisms and concentrated into a simple rotatable locking ring with wing elements. This extraction simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining reliable connection through the essential locking action
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient protrusion on the locking ring automatically engages with the locking recess in the guide section during rotation, providing self-locking functionality. This eliminates the need for additional locking mechanisms or complex adjustment procedures, reducing device complexity while ensuring secure connection
3Productivity
If simple fastening methods are used, then assembly speed increases, but connection reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient protrusion provides tactile and audible feedback when it engages with the locking recess, confirming proper locking to the operator. This feedback mechanism ensures connection reliability without requiring complex verification procedures, maintaining high assembly speed
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism incorporates movement in multiple dimensions: the wing elements move radially during insertion, the locking ring rotates axially, and the resilient protrusion deflects elastically. This multi-dimensional movement sequence ensures reliable locking while keeping the assembly process simple and fast
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
The solution enables a quick and secure mounting procedure, simplifying the assembly of engine components and reducing manufacturing costs through a reliable and cost-effective connector arrangement.
Implementation Method 1
the resilient protrusion is configured so that its tip extends further in a radial direction than said locking wing. In this manner, the resilient protrusion may be bent and then snap back during locking of the locking ring.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a connector arrangement (6) comprising a tubular connector element (8; 8') configured for mounting on an inlet (7) of a further component (3) and an annular locking ring (9; 9') arranged around an end section of the connector element (8; 8'). Furthermore the locking ring (9; 9') comprises at least two wing elements (11; 11', 12; 12', 13; 13') extending in a radial direction and configured for being inserted into corresponding guide sections (21 a, 21 b, 21 c) in said inlet (7), and in that at least one of said wing elements (13; 13') constitutes a locking wing (13; 13') with a resilient protrusion (14; 14') extending along the periphery of the locking ring (9; 9') and cooperating with a locking recess (24) in a corresponding guide section (21 b) upon rotating said locking ring (9; 9') in relation to said inlet (7).