Connector Holder With Inclined Locking Protrusions for One-Step Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid pressure devices require two operations to maintain the connection between the female and male connectors, which is cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A holder with a U-shaped main body and elastically deformable arm portions, featuring a locking protrusion with an inclined surface that prevents the projecting section from coming out of the fitting hole, allowing for a single operation to establish and maintain the connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clip is inserted into an annular groove to prevent the projecting section from coming out of the fitting hole, then the connection between female connector and male connector is maintained, but two operations are required which is troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is preliminarily mounted in the slit of the female connector before the connection operation. The locking protrusion is pre-positioned on the holder body, and the inclined surface is prepared in advance. When the projecting section is inserted, it automatically engages with the locking protrusion through the inclined surface, eliminating the need for a separate clipping operation. This preliminary setup reduces the connection process to a single operation while maintaining reliable connection.
2Device complexity
If the locking protrusion has a constant thickness, then the structure is simple, but the projecting section cannot be smoothly guided during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The locking protrusion features a locally varied thickness with an inclined surface on one side while maintaining constant thickness on the opposite side. The inclined surface portion has a gradually changing thickness that guides the projecting section during insertion, providing a smooth engagement process. This local variation in quality resolves the contradiction by enabling smooth insertion guidance without significantly complicating the overall holder structure.
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
Simplifies the connection process by enabling the connection between female and male connectors with a single operation, ensuring secure engagement and preventing the projecting section from dislodging.
Implementation Method 1
the holder main body having a U shape and including a pair of arm portions elastically deformable in a direction in which the arm portions are separated from each other
Data Source
AI summary
A holder is configured to hold connection between a female connector and a male connector. The female connector includes a slit, a fitting hole, and a first fluid flow path, and the male connector includes a projecting section. The holder includes a U-shaped holder main body, and locking protrusions that are provided on a pair of arm portions, respectively, and enter a locking groove 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 in a state where the holder is mounted in the slit includes an inclined surface inclined such that the thickness of the locking protrusion decreases inward in the width direction of the holder main body.