Connector Holder Structure for Single-Action Fluid Pressure Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid pressure devices require multiple operations to maintain the connection between the female and male connectors, which is cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A holder is mounted in a slit of the female connector, allowing the projecting section of the male connector to elastically deform the holder, which then returns to its original shape to lock into a locking groove, securing the connection with a single operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clip is inserted into an annular groove to maintain connection between connectors, then the connection is secured, but multiple operations are required which increases operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is pre-mounted in the slit of the female connector before connection, with locking protrusions positioned to engage the annular groove. When the male connector is inserted, the locking protrusions automatically engage the groove without requiring separate clipping operations, thus securing the connection through preliminary positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder integrating locking protrusions is combined with the female connector structure, and the locking action is merged with the connection insertion process itself. The single insertion operation simultaneously achieves both connection and locking functions, eliminating separate clipping steps.
2Ease of operation
If a holder with locking protrusions is mounted in a slit, then the connection is secured with a single operation, but the holder structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is segmented into a holder main body and separate locking protrusions. The locking protrusions are positioned on the holder main body to engage with the annular groove, allowing the holder to be mounted in the slit while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that achieves automatic locking.
3Reliability
If the holder main body is elastically deformed to separate arm portions, then the locking protrusion can engage the locking groove, but the holder material must have specific elastic properties
Solution Approach 1:
The holder main body is designed to undergo elastic deformation when the male connector is inserted, changing the spatial relationship between locking protrusions. The material is selected with appropriate elastic modulus to allow temporary separation of arm portions during insertion, followed by automatic return to locked position, achieving reliable engagement through controlled parameter changes.
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 connection between the female and male connectors is securely maintained with a simple single operation, enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the projecting section comes into contact with the inclined surface of the locking protrusion, and the holder main body is elastically deformed so that the pair of arm portions are separated from each other. Subsequently, when the projecting section is further inserted into the fitting hole and when the locking groove is positioned at the locking protrusion, the elastically deformed holder main body returns to its original shape, and the locking protrusion enters the locking groove
Data Source
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AI summary
A holder (10) is configured to hold connection between a female connector (18) and a male connector (50). The female connector includes a slit (22), a fitting hole (24), and a first fluid flow path (26), and the male connector includes a projecting section (54). The holder includes a U-shaped holder main body (66), and locking protrusions (68) that are provided on a pair of arm portions (78), respectively, and enter a locking groove (62) formed on the outer periphery of the projecting section, thereby preventing the projecting section from coming out of the fitting hole. A surface of each of the locking protrusions that is oriented toward an opening portion (44) in a state where the holder is mounted in the slit includes an inclined surface (82) inclined such that the thickness of the locking protrusion decreases inward in the width direction of the holder main body.