Tubular Connector Sleeve With Visual Lock Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for connecting rigid tubular objects in complex technical systems often require costly and awkward visual and acoustic monitoring to ensure optimal connection, which can be impractical in difficult-to-access areas.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a connection piece housing with a sleeve portion and a sleeve-like element that includes a display element, allowing for visual confirmation of engagement through radial movement from a visible to a concealed position, facilitating reliable and simplified connection monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual and acoustic monitoring methods are used to check connection quality, then connection reliability can be ensured, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device monitors its own engagement status through the display element that automatically shows whether the sleeve-like element is properly connected, eliminating the need for external monitoring equipment and reducing system complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The display element provides immediate visual feedback about the connection status by changing its visibility state, allowing operators to confirm proper engagement without complex monitoring systems, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If acoustic feedback through snap-in noises is used to monitor connection, then connection status can be detected, but the method becomes awkward and impractical in difficult-to-access areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces acoustic detection (listening for snap-in noises) with a visual display system that shows connection status through the display element's visibility change, making monitoring easier and practical in difficult-to-access areas where acoustic feedback would be awkward
Solution Approach 2:
The display element uses visual appearance change (from visible to concealed) to indicate connection status, replacing the need for acoustic detection and providing easy-to-observe feedback regardless of location accessibility
3Loss of information
If the display element remains constantly visible, then connection status is always monitorable, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The display element dynamically changes its visibility state based on the connection status, being visible when disconnected and concealed when connected, providing information without requiring complex constant monitoring systems
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism itself controls the display element's visibility through the engagement of first and second engagement elements, eliminating the need for separate monitoring components and reducing overall device complexity while preventing information loss
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
Enables direct visual confirmation of engagement status, ensuring reliable connection without the need for costly monitoring methods, while allowing for easy assembly and disassembly in complex systems.
Implementation Method 1
the sleeve-like element has a display element that: extends radially outwards from the sleeve-like element; in the open relative position projects through the at least one cut-out; and in the locked relative position is moved radially inwardly and is completely covered by a component disposed in the cut-out
Implementation Method 2
the display element should be designed as far as possible to be spring-elastic or to have at least one spring-elastic foot which tolerates a radially inwardly oriented movement
Implementation Method 3
the sleeve portion has at least one first engagement element and said sleeve-like element has at least one second engagement element, which mutually correspond in order to lock the sleeve-like element in the sleeve portion and which can be moved from an open relative position into a locked relative position
Data Source
AI summary
A device for connecting two tubular objects has a connection piece housing and a sleeve-like element. The connection piece housing having a sleeve portion with an insertion opening and with at least one radially continuous cut-out. The sleeve-like element being complementary to the insertion opening for insertion into the insertion opening. The sleeve portion having at least one first engagement element and the sleeve-like element having at least one second engagement element, which mutually correspond in order to lock the sleeve-like element in the sleeve portion and which can be moved from an open relative position into a locked relative position.