Securing Sleeve Latch for Fast, Reliable Releasable Connectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing releasable connections between two elements, such as cables or hollow bodies, are difficult to secure and release quickly and simply, posing risks such as accidental disconnection, especially in critical applications like blood pump systems where failure can be fatal.

Innovation Solution

A system featuring a securing sleeve that moves into a securing position to enclose connectors, with a latching device for quick and secure attachment, and a latch mechanism to stabilize the connection, allowing manual operation without tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If existing releasable connections are used, then the connection can be made and broken, but the securing and releasing process is difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of securing and releasing connectionVSAvoidtime required for securing and releasing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into distinct functional components: a first connector, a second connector, and a separate securing sleeve. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the securing sleeve providing a dedicated quick-release mechanism that simplifies the releasing operation without affecting the connection-making process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The securing sleeve is designed to be movable between different positions (secured position and released position) along the longitudinal axis. This dynamic design enables rapid transition between connected and disconnected states by simply moving the sleeve axially, eliminating the need for complex manual manipulation or tool usage for releasing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If existing releasable connections are used, then the connection can be made and broken, but accidental disconnection risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidaccidental disconnection risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The securing sleeve is pre-positioned to automatically engage with both connectors when they are brought together. The sleeve's design includes engagement features that automatically latch onto the connectors upon insertion, providing preliminary securing action before any operational use. This preliminary engagement prevents accidental disconnection during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The securing sleeve incorporates curved or rounded engagement surfaces that provide smooth, progressive engagement with the connectors. The curved geometry ensures that the sleeve naturally seats itself into the secured position through axial movement alone, creating a positive mechanical interlock that resists accidental displacement while allowing intentional release.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Ease of operation

If existing releasable connections are used, then the connection can be made and broken, but tool-free manual operation is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool-free manual operationVSAvoidcomplexity of securing mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The securing function is extracted from the connectors themselves and implemented as a separate, dedicated securing sleeve. This extraction allows the connectors to maintain their primary connection function while the sleeve provides specialized tool-free releasing capability. The sleeve can be manually operated with simple axial movement, eliminating the need for tools or complex manipulation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If a securing mechanism is added to protect against disconnection, then connection security improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidcomplexity of connection system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The securing sleeve combines multiple functions into a single component: it acts as both a protective cover and the active releasing mechanism. The sleeve integrates the securing function with the connectors through simple axial engagement, providing reliable connection security without requiring separate locking mechanisms, buttons, or complex assembly steps. The unified design minimizes overall system complexity while maximizing reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12564710B2System for securing a releasable connection between two elements

Publication Date: 2026.03.03 BERLIN HEART GMBH

AI summary

A system, such as a blood pump system, is provided for securing a releasable connection between two elements, in particular between two cables or between two hollow bodies, said system comprising: a first connector and a second connector that is releasably connectable to the first connector, a securing sleeve which, when the first connector is connected to the second connector, is movable, by displacement of the securing sleeve relative to the first connector and relative to the second connector into a securing position in which the securing sleeve completely or at least partially receives the first connector and the second connector, and a latching device with at least one latching element, wherein the latching device is configured to produce a latching connection between the securing sleeve in the securing position and the first connector and/or the second connector connected to the first connector.