Tamper-Resistant Quick Connect Locking Pin Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Devices for quickly connecting components in liquid or gas distribution systems are vulnerable to tampering, posing a safety risk, especially in environments where unauthorized access must be prevented.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a locking pin with an actuation head that can be engaged and disengaged using a dedicated actuation key, ensuring secure connection and disconnection while preventing accidental tampering, incorporating a recessed seat for the actuation head and a mechanism to retain the pin in place using an elastic ring and O-Ring for enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a locking pin is used to quickly connect two components, then the connection speed is improved, but the safety against tampering deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A specialized actuation key is introduced as an intermediary tool to operate the locking pin. The key engages with the pin's actuation head and is required to disengage or reposition the pin, preventing unauthorized tampering while maintaining quick connection capability. The key acts as a mediator between the operator and the locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
An elastic ring positioned within a groove of the locking pin serves as a mediator to retain the pin in its engaged position. The elastic ring provides a retaining force that prevents accidental disengagement while allowing controlled repositioning with the actuation key, thus enhancing security without compromising the quick connection function.
2Reliability
If a locking pin with actuation head is used, then the safety against tampering is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin is segmented into functional zones: a locking portion that engages with the male element, an actuation head with a groove for the elastic ring, and a protrusion for key engagement. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function while keeping the overall structure relatively simple and modular.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic ring automatically positions itself within the groove of the locking pin to provide retaining force. The key-operated actuation mechanism allows the user to self-service the locking and unlocking functions without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A device for quick connection of two components of systems for the distribution of liquids or gases, with high safety against tampering, comprising a female seat (2), which is defined in a first one (3) of the two components (3,5) to be connected to each other, and a male element (4), which is provided at an end of the second component (5) and can be mated with the female seat (2); a passage (6) is provided within the first component (3) and interferes with the female seat (2) and accommodates a locking pin (7) which can move along the passage (6) in order to pass from a first position, in which it is disengaged from the male element (4), to a second position; in which it engages the male element; the pin (7) has, at one of its longitudinal ends, an actuation head (11) which is accommodated, when the pin (7) is in the second position, in a recessed seat (12) formed in the first component (3) at the inlet of the passage (6); an actuation key (13) is provided which can be inserted in the recessed seat (12) and can engage monolithically, in translational motion along a direction which is parallel to the longitudinal extension of the pin (7), said pin actuation head (11) in order to engage the pin (7) and pull it for its passage from the second position to the first position.