Bracket-Retained Quick Connector for Tight-Space Tube Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connectors face difficulties in tight spaces, where the male plug-in part is hard to fix and the wire retainer is not easily accessible or separable, leading to potential misplacement.
Innovation Solution
A quick connector design featuring a bracket retainer with clamping jaws that snap onto a receptacle, allowing easy installation and separation, and a fastening arrangement to secure the connector to a structure, ensuring a fluid-tight connection in confined spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wire retainer is used to clip the endform in the connector, then the connector can be securely retained, but the wire retainer is not easily accessible to engage or separate, especially in tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is divided into multiple clamping jaws (first pair and second pair) that can independently engage with channels on the receptacle. This segmentation allows each jaw to be accessed and operated separately, improving accessibility in tight spaces while maintaining secure retention through multiple engagement points
Solution Approach 2:
Channels are provided on the receptacle that serve as intermediaries between the clamping jaws and the receptacle body. These channels guide the clamping jaws into proper engagement positions and allow the jaws to clamp onto the receptacle in a controlled manner, making the retention mechanism more accessible and easier to operate
2Volume of moving object
If space is tight around the connector parts, then the connector can be used in confined areas, but the male plug-in part is difficult to fix and the wire retainer is not easily accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping jaws are designed to approach and engage the receptacle from lateral directions through the channels, rather than requiring access from the front or back. This dimensional change in engagement approach allows installation and service in tight confined spaces where traditional wire retainers would be inaccessible
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple clamping jaws distributed around the receptacle perimeter provide multiple engagement points, allowing the connector to be securely retained even when space is tight. The segmented design enables each jaw to be accessed independently from different directions, improving operability in confined areas
3Reliability
If a traditional wire retainer is used, then the connector can be retained, but it may be lost when transferred to an open position where it is not easily accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping jaws are integrated with the bracket retainer structure, merging the retention function with the mounting structure. This integration ensures that the retention mechanism remains attached to the bracket and cannot be lost, while still allowing flexible engagement and disengagement through the channels
Data Source
AI summary
A quick connector is disclosed comprising a receptacle having first and second channels formed on opposite sides of the exterior of the receptacle. A flange includes a retainer mounting part fixed on a first end of the flange. A first pair of clamping jaws extends from a second end of the flange with each clamping jaw of the first pair of clamping jaws accepted into a respective receptacle first and second channel, clasping the receptacle to the flange. The clamped bracket retainer and receptacle are then guided to have a tube inserted into an interior passage of the receptacle and the bracket retainer is attached to a rigid structure using a fastening arrangement that retains the quick connector receptacle and endform in a connected state.