Collet Securing Device for Fluid Line Lateral Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid line connection systems lack effective lateral support and secure attachment methods, leading to potential fluid leaks and deflection issues at the connection points of fluid lines in appliances.
Innovation Solution
A collet securing device with a thickened portion and biased end, which engages with a fluid valve to establish a final insertion depth and provides lateral support through a snapping engagement mechanism, encircling the fluid line to prevent deflection and leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a collet is inserted into a fluid valve to join two fluid lines, then the fluid lines are connected, but the connection lacks lateral support and is prone to deflection and leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the collet insertion function with a lateral support structure into a single integrated connection system. The support structure is merged with the collet assembly, providing both joining and lateral stabilization functions simultaneously, thereby improving connection reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure acts as an intermediary element between the collet and the external environment. It mediates the lateral forces and deflections that would otherwise directly affect the fluid line connection, providing indirect protection and stabilization to the joint.
2Reliability
If the collet insertion depth is not precisely controlled, then insertion is easier, but fluid leaks occur at the connection point
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed with pre-defined geometric features that interact with corresponding features on the fluid valve. This preliminary structural arrangement automatically guides the collet to the correct insertion depth and maintains it there, ensuring seal integrity without requiring complex active control mechanisms or difficult manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in geometric parameters of the support structure and collet assembly to control insertion depth. By designing specific dimensional relationships between components, the system transitions from requiring precise manual control to achieving automatic depth control through geometric constraints, thereby maintaining seal integrity while simplifying operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the fluid line is not laterally supported at the connection point, then the device structure is simpler, but deflection and unwanted movement occur
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: a first portion that contacts and stabilizes the fluid line, and a second portion that interfaces with the collet. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural efficiency, providing lateral support without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides lateral support to the fluid line, guides collet insertion, maintains insertion depth, and prevents deflection. By designing a single multi-functional component rather than separate elements for each function, the patent achieves positional stability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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
The collet securing device ensures secure attachment and minimizes fluid leaks by providing lateral support, maintaining the fluid line at a predetermined position and preventing unwanted movement or deflection, thus ensuring reliable fluid flow.
Implementation Method 1
The thickened portion has a biased end and a securing section. The engagement of the fluid valve with the collet places the valve line in communication with the fluid line.
Implementation Method 2
The fluid line portion engages the wall of the fluid line, wherein at least the fluid line portion encircles the wall and is slidably engaged with the wall
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid line support system includes a fluid line and a collet having an insertion end and a thickened portion having a biased end. A fluid valve has a valve aperture that receives the insertion end of the collet. A collet securing device has a fluid line portion that engages the wall of the fluid line, wherein at least the fluid line portion encircles the wall and is slidably engaged with the wall to define a loose position and a securing position. A collet portion of the collet securing device engages the retaining portion of the fluid valve when in the securing position. When in the securing position, the fluid line portion engages the biased end of the collet, wherein the fluid line and collet portions bias the retaining portion and biased end toward one another such that the insertion end is positioned at a final insertion depth.