Valve Coupling Assembly with Elastic Latching for One-Hand Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing coupling bushing and plug designs require cumbersome handling, necessitating one hand to hold each component and requiring a spring to be pushed back, which is inconvenient in confined spaces like motor vehicle compartments where space is limited.
Innovation Solution
A coupling bushing and plug design where the latching element is resiliently elastic, allowing it to store reset energy and simplify handling by eliminating the need for a separate spring, enabling the coupling plug to be locked with one hand by merging the two components, thus eliminating the need for separate handling of each part.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring-loaded retainer is used to lock the coupling plug, then the coupling assembly can be securely locked, but the handling becomes cumbersome requiring two hands and pushing the sleeve back against spring force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the spring component from the coupling assembly by replacing it with a resiliently elastic latching element that stores reset energy through its own elasticity. This eliminates the separate spring mechanism while maintaining the locking function, thereby simplifying handling to one-handed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the spring function with the latching element by designing the latching element to be resiliently elastic. This combination integrates the energy storage and locking functions into a single component, eliminating the need for a separate spring and reducing the number of parts that require manual manipulation.
2Ease of repair
If a separate spring is used for resetting the latching mechanism, then the valve can be reset, but the device complexity increases with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the spring function with the latching element by designing the latching element to be resiliently elastic. This combination integrates the energy storage and locking functions into a single component, eliminating the need for a separate spring and reducing the number of parts that require manual manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The resiliently elastic latching element serves itself by storing reset energy through its own elasticity when deformed during insertion. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for a separate spring component, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining the reset capability.
3Ease of operation
If the latching element is made resiliently elastic to store reset energy, then handling is simplified, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting appropriate material properties for the latching element to achieve the desired elasticity. By carefully choosing materials with suitable elastic characteristics, the design achieves one-handed operation capability while maintaining manufacturability through standard material selection and processing techniques.
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
This design simplifies the handling process by allowing the coupling plug to be automatically locked into the bushing with one hand, reducing installation effort and improving usability in compact spaces.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one latching element has a resiliently elastic design, wherein the at least one latching element is designed to engage with a coupling plug
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling bushing includes a bushing body and a retainer for locking a coupling plug into the bushing body. The bushing body has a connecting section and a coupling section, wherein the connecting section and the coupling section are fluidically connected with each other via an inner channel. A bushing valve is arranged in the inner channel (8), wherein the bushing valve (10a) comprises a valve holder, an axially movable valve body and a valve seat. The retainer has at least one latching element, wherein the at least one latching element has a resiliently elastic design. The at least one latching element is designed to engage with a coupling plug.