Connector Retainer Locking Mechanism for Pipe Vibration Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connector design experiences unintended retainer movements due to elastic restoring force, leading to hindered pipe connection and potential retainer displacement during vibration, which disrupts the connection's functionality.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a retainer with a retainer lock part that swings as a fulcrum, locked by a retainer-locker in the connector main body, preventing unintended movements and maintaining position even under vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the retainer is allowed to slide freely using elastic restoring force, then the connector structure is simplified and compact, but unintended movements occur and the retainer may depart from its predetermined position during vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is designed to transition from a static locked position to a dynamic swinging motion when the pipe is inserted. The retainer swings about the retainer lock part as a fulcrum, allowing controlled movement to push the checker while maintaining reliability through the defined fulcrum point
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer lock part and retainer-locker are integrated into the connector structure, combining the locking function with the retainer mechanism. This integration ensures the retainer remains securely positioned while enabling the necessary swinging motion for checker deployment
2Reliability
If the retainer swings with retainer lock part as fulcrum, then unintended movements are restricted and position stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is segmented into distinct functional parts: the retainer lock part that serves as a fulcrum, the swinging portion that moves to push the checker, and the retainer-locker that provides the locking interface. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer structure itself provides the locking mechanism through the retainer lock part and retainer-locker integration. The elastic restoring force of the retainer automatically returns it to its locked position after swinging, eliminating the need for additional external locking components
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 retainer's locked position reduces unintended movements and maintains stability during pipe insertion and vibration, ensuring smooth connection and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the retainer swings toward the pipe insertion hole side with the retainer lock part as a fulcrum, thus enabling the checker to be pushed in from the temporary stopping position to the completely inserted position
Data Source
AI summary
A connector connectable to a pipe having an annular protrusion on an end portion outer circumference thereof includes a connector main body having, at an end thereof, a pipe insertion hole into which the pipe is inserted; a checker to be pushed in from a temporary stopping position with respect to the connector main body to a completely inserted position with respect to the connector main body; and a retainer disposed inside the connector main body, which is configured to restrict a movement of the checker from the temporary stopping position to the completely inserted position, before the pipe is inserted into the connector main body. The retainer has a retainer lock part in a lower end portion of the retainer. A retainer-locker, which locks the retainer lock part, is provided in a bottom portion on a pipe insertion hole side of the connector main body.