Collet Tube Connector With Tool-Mediated Release Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tube connectors, particularly those using collets, are either too simple and lack security features or require complex tool-based disassembly, leading to concerns about accidental disconnection and loss of internal components.
Innovation Solution
A tube connector design featuring a collet with resilient legs and a cap angle that engages with the collet teeth, combined with a separate release tool inserted between the tube and cap to deflect the legs, ensuring secure attachment and tool-mediated release without disassembling the connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple connector design with a collet and cap is used, then ease of operation is improved, but security and reliability are worsened due to risk of accidental disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
A release tool is introduced as an intermediary device to mediate the release operation. The tool engages with the collet legs through openings in the cap, allowing controlled deflection of the legs to release the tube. This intermediary mechanism prevents accidental release while maintaining simple connector structure.
2Reliability
If a tool-based disassembly mechanism is added to prevent accidental disconnection, then reliability is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is segmented with openings that allow the release tool to access and engage with the collet legs. This segmentation enables the simple cap structure to accommodate a tool-based release mechanism without requiring a completely complex disassembly system. The tool interacts with specific segments (collet legs) to achieve controlled release.
3Ease of operation
If the cap is made removable to allow tool access, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability is worsened due to risk of component loss
Solution Approach 1:
The release function is extracted from the cap structure itself and transferred to a separate tool. The cap retains its simple retaining function while the tool provides the release capability. This extraction allows the cap to remain fixed and secure, preventing component loss, while still enabling tool-mediated release through the openings in the cap.
4Device complexity
If a fixed cap design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation is worsened for tube release
Solution Approach 1:
The release tool acts as an intermediary that accesses the collet legs through openings in the fixed cap. This allows the cap to remain simple and fixed, maintaining low device complexity, while the tool provides the necessary interaction mechanism for easy tube release without requiring cap removal or complex disassembly.
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
Provides a secure, tamper-proof connection that simplifies operation and prevents accidental disconnection, while allowing a single tool to release multiple connectors, reducing the risk of component loss and simplifying the connector's structure.
Implementation Method 1
a release tool inserted between the tube and cap to deflect the legs
Implementation Method 2
the teeth bite progressively harder into the tube. This helps to reduce the likelihood of inadvertent removal of the tube
Data Source
AI summary
A tube connector 20 comprising a body 21 with an open proximal end to receive a tube T. An O-ring 26 seals on the wall of the tube T. A collet 25 comprises a collet ring 27 at a distal end of the collet 25. A plurality of resilient collet legs 28 extend proximally from the ring 27, the legs having teeth 31 to grip a tube T. A cap 23 is fitted to the body 21 to retain the collet 25. The cap 23 has an opening to allow entry of the tube T and a cap angle 33 to push the teeth 31 into engagement with the tube when the tube is moved proximally. A release tool 40 for the connector 20 can be inserted distally into the connector to deflect the collet legs 28 away from the tube T.