Burner Tube Quick-Connect Assembly for Faster Grill Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing barbecue grill burner tube connections are costly and time-consuming to install, requiring complex assembly processes that hinder efficient installation and alignment of gas burner tubes.
Innovation Solution
A quick-connect system featuring a female and male cylindrical connector with an inwardly directed protrusion and groove configuration, allowing for simple two-step assembly and secure locking of the burner tube, reducing manufacturing costs and installation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional bayonet connection is used for connecting the burner tube, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the manufacturing cost increases and installation time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into distinct male and female connector components with specific geometric features. The male connector includes an outwardly directed protrusion while the female connector includes an inwardly directed groove, creating modular segments that can be independently manufactured and assembled through simple axial insertion followed by rotation, eliminating complex single-piece designs
Solution Approach 2:
The connectors are designed with nested geometric features where the protrusion of one connector fits into the groove of the other connector. This nesting arrangement allows the components to interlock securely through a simple two-step process of axial insertion and rotation, providing reliable connection without complex assembly procedures
2Reliability
If a traditional bayonet connection is used for connecting the burner tube, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into distinct male and female connector components with specific geometric features. The male connector includes an outwardly directed protrusion while the female connector includes an inwardly directed groove, creating modular segments that can be independently manufactured and assembled through simple axial insertion followed by rotation, eliminating complex single-piece designs
Solution Approach 2:
The connection geometry is simplified by changing the design parameters from complex multi-feature bayonet connections to basic protrusion-groove interfaces. This parameter change reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining the essential locking function through the interaction of the protrusion and groove during axial insertion and rotation
3Reliability
If a complex assembly process is used for installing the burner tube, then the connection is secure, but the alignment precision and installation efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The connectors feature asymmetric geometric profiles with the male connector having an outwardly directed protrusion and the female connector having an inwardly directed groove. This asymmetry provides inherent alignment guidance during axial insertion, ensuring proper orientation without requiring complex alignment procedures or high precision positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The connectors are designed with pre-configured geometric features (protrusion and groove) that automatically guide the alignment and orientation of the burner tube during installation. The asymmetric shapes provide built-in alignment cues that prevent misalignment before the final locking engagement occurs through rotation
Data Source
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AI summary
The inventions disclosed herein relate to a quick-connect fitting for connecting a burner tube to a barbecue grill. It is believed that the preferred quick-connect of the present invention reduces the time required to assemble a barbecue grill by providing for a simple two step assembly. The quick-connect generally comprises a female connector and a male connector wherein the female connector is preferably attached to the burner tube and the male connector is preferably connected upstream of the fuel supply. The female connector preferably has an inwardly directed protrusion while the male connector has a corresponding longitudinal entry portion and circumferential groove. In the first step of assembly, the female connector is mated with the male connector by aligning the protrusion with the entry portion and urging the connectors together. In the second step of assembly, the female connector is rotated relative to the male connector such that the protrusion enters the groove to effectively prevent relative axial movement between the connectors.