Connector Mounting Structure With Positioning And Retainer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector mounting structures for motor vehicle fuel piping systems are prone to tube damage due to rotational variability and require complex mounting procedures, which can lead to instability and increased risk of scratches or damage from peripheral contacts.
Innovation Solution
A connector mounting structure featuring a positioning mechanism with a first and second engaging portion that prevents rotation relative to the connection hole, allowing for adjustable mounting angles to secure the tube fitting portion in a stable direction, and a retainer with a taper-shaped stop portion to prevent the connector from dropping out, simplifying the mounting process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the quick connector is mounted in a rotatable state with variable tube fitting portion direction, then the adaptive range to various vehicle types is improved, but the tube may swing and contact peripheral parts causing scratches or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The tube fitting portion is pre-formed in a bending state during manufacturing, establishing a predetermined safe direction that prevents contact with peripheral parts before the connector is even installed. This preliminary configuration eliminates the risk of tube damage during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bending state is applied specifically to the tube fitting portion while leaving other parts of the connector rigid and stable. This localized flexibility in design allows the tube to be directed away from harmful peripheral areas without affecting the overall stability of the connector mounting.
2Reliability
If the retainer is mounted after the quick connector is inserted into the connection hole, then the connector can be securely fixed, but the mounting work becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is pre-installed on the connection hole before the connector is inserted. This preliminary action allows the connector to be simply guided into place where it automatically engages with the pre-positioned retainer, eliminating complex sequential mounting steps while maintaining secure fixation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the tube fitting portion is formed in a bending state, then the tube direction can be adjusted to avoid peripheral contact, but the connector structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The tube fitting portion is integrally formed as part of the connector body in a bending state, merging the protective function into the basic connector structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate protective components or complex adjustment mechanisms, achieving damage protection without increasing overall structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector is inserted into a connection hole provided on a fluid piping equipment, and the connector is prevented from dropping out via a retainer held by a retainer holding portion. The connector has a connecting portion including a flange stop portion, and a positioning means is disposed between the connecting portion and the fluid piping equipment. This positioning means is to position the connecting portion in a circumferential direction so as not to rotate relative to the connection hole and has a mounting angle adjusting function capable of positioning the connecting portion in the circumferential direction selectively at any one of a number of mounting angular positions relative to the connection hole. An annular surface on the other end in the axial direction of the stop portion is formed in a taper shape tapered toward the other end in the axial direction.