Compact Pipe Quick Connector for One-Handed Leak-Safe Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick plug connectors for pipe installation are cumbersome and prone to water leakage due to their size and two-sided pressing mechanism, making them inconvenient to use, especially in confined spaces like under sinks or basins.
Innovation Solution
A compact quick connector design featuring a quick joint, an elastic pressing sleeve, and a quick connection body, where the elastic sleeve allows for one-handed operation by using slots and an elastic insert to securely connect and disconnect the joint from the connection body through a fixing groove, ensuring easy assembly and disassembly without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a two-sided pressing mechanism is used for unplugging, then the connector can be disconnected, but the operation becomes troublesome and the size cannot be further reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the unplugging function from a complex two-sided pressing mechanism and implements it through a simple single-sided pressing action on the elastic pressing sleeve. The elastic insert automatically engages with the fixing groove during insertion and can be easily disengaged by pressing the sleeve, eliminating the need for complicated mechanical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the elastic properties of the pressing sleeve and insert to change the mechanical state from rigid locking to flexible engagement. The elastic insert can deform to pass through the slot and engage the fixing groove, then return to its original shape to maintain the connection, enabling easy operation with minimal force.
2Volume of moving object
If the quick connector size is reduced for better fit in tight spaces, then installation convenience improves, but the connector may become harder to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the connector into distinct functional components: the quick joint, elastic pressing sleeve, elastic insert, and quick connection body. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the compact joint fits in tight spaces while the elastic sleeve provides a large enough pressing surface for easy one-handed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic pressing sleeve acts as an intermediary between the user's finger and the internal elastic insert. It transmits the pressing force effectively while maintaining a size appropriate for tight installation spaces, and its elastic nature allows it to deform during operation to enable easy engagement and disengagement.
3Ease of operation
If a simple connection structure is used to reduce interference during installation, then installation convenience improves, but water leakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the elastic insert is positioned within the quick connection body and engages with the fixing groove of the quick joint. The sealing ring is nested within the connection structure, conforming to the mating surfaces. This nested arrangement ensures proper alignment and sealing without requiring complex external sealing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an elastic sealing ring that can deform to conform to the mating surfaces of the quick joint and connection body. This flexible sealing element maintains water tightness even with simple connection structures, as it adapts to any minor surface irregularities and ensures a reliable seal during insertion and operation.
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 design enables convenient, tool-free connection and disconnection of pipes by one hand, reducing the risk of water leakage and interference during installation, while maintaining a compact size that fits well in tight spaces.
Implementation Method 1
the segment of the side wall is provided with an elastic insert extending inwardly at a radial position of the segment of the side wall, and the elastic insert is elastically outwardly deformable when urged by an external force
Data Source
AI summary
A quick connector for removable join of two pipes is provided by the present disclosure, which includes: a quick joint, an elastic pressing sleeve and a quick connection body; wherein the quick joint is a member for passing water, and is composed of a water pipe joint and a plug-in portion; an outer side wall of the plug-in portion is provided with a fixing groove and sealing ring grooves; an inner side wall of the elastic pressing sleeve is provided with an elastic insert that is capable of being ejected outwardly, and the elastic insert is disposed on the inner side wall of the elastic pressing sleeve in a cross sectional direction and extends inwardly.