Connector Axial Lock Release Mechanism for Tight Spaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional connectors for fluid piping in automobiles require a large operation stroke for releasing the lock member, making them unsuitable for narrow spaces, and often necessitate a tool for release, which can damage adjacent parts and is not suitable for close arrangements.

Innovation Solution

A connector design featuring a cylindrical housing with a through-hole and a metal wire rod lock member with inclined sliding surfaces, allowing for one-touch release without projecting parts and reducing the need for tools, while maintaining engagement strength and preventing interference during removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the wire retainer is pulled upwardly for release, then the engagement state can be released, but the operation stroke is large making it difficult to operate in narrow spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverelease operationVSAvoidoperation stroke

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of pulling the lock member upward for release as in conventional designs, this invention pushes the lock member in the axial direction toward the male member. This inverted operation direction enables release in narrow spaces without requiring large projection allowance, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and operation stroke length.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The lock member operation is changed from radial movement (pulling outward) to axial movement (pushing inward). This dimensional change allows the release mechanism to function within the limited axial space available in automotive engine rooms, eliminating the need for large radial projection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the wire retainer is pulled upwardly for release, then the engagement state can be released, but an interval between the wire retainer and adjacent parts is necessary which is not suitable for close arrangement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverelease operationVSAvoidinterval requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The release operation inverts from outward pulling to inward pushing, eliminating the need for the lock member to project outward and require clearance space. This allows close arrangement with adjacent parts while maintaining ease of release operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If a tool is necessary for release, then the release can be achieved, but workability is reduced and there is a risk of damaging another part

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverelease functionVSAvoidworkability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lock member is designed to be operated directly by hand through axial pushing, eliminating the need for external tools. The finger-operable structure provides both reliability of release function and ease of operation, while avoiding the risk of tool-induced damage to surrounding parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If the wire retainer remains extended after unlocking, then the release is complete, but there is a risk of interfering with another part

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverelease completionVSAvoidinterference with adjacent parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of the lock member remaining extended outward after release, the design causes it to retract axially inward toward the connector housing. This inverted final position eliminates interference with adjacent parts while confirming complete release.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The lock member's final position after release is changed from radial extension to axial retraction. This dimensional change ensures the lock member occupies minimal space and cannot interfere with surrounding components in the engine room environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Enables easy operation in tight spaces without tools, reduces the risk of damage to surrounding parts, and ensures stable engagement without creep deformation, allowing for efficient installation and removal without interference.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic lock member (13) including an intermediate portion (23), and both right-and-left leg portions (13b)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10156308B2Connector

Publication Date: 2018.12.18 NIFCO INC

AI summary

A connector includes a cylindrical connector housing having through-holes extending in a circumferential direction formed on right and left, a cylindrical male member to be entered into the connector housing and having a circumferential groove conforming with the through-holes in a state wherein the male member enters into the connector housing; and an elastic lock member including an intermediate portion, and right-and-left leg portions projecting to right and left from the intermediate portion to be received into the through-holes. Sliding inclined surfaces to be engaged with loose ends of the leg portions of the lock member are provided on an outer periphery of the connector housing. The lock member takes an engagement position where the leg portions enter into the circumferential grooves from the through-holes; and a release position where the leg portions escape toward the through-holes from the circumferential groove.