Demountable Fluid Connector With Flexible Locking Ring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid connection devices in the automotive field, particularly in braking systems, are often bulky or not easily demountable, requiring special tools or damaging components for disassembly, which limits their reuse.
Innovation Solution
A compact and demountable connection device featuring a tubular body with an annular groove and a locking ring with flexible elliptical legs that deform to secure a tubular connector, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without damaging components, using a conventional tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional connection devices are used to secure tubular connectors to equipment, then reliable fluid connection is achieved, but the devices become bulky and difficult to demount
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is divided into separate functional components: a connection end fitting with threading for secure attachment, and a locking ring with flexible legs for demountable securing. This segmentation allows the device to achieve reliable connection through the threaded end fitting while maintaining ease of demounting through the separate locking ring that can be easily removed and repositioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking ring incorporates flexible legs that can dynamically adapt during assembly and demounting operations. The flexible nature of these legs allows them to deform during installation to accommodate the tubular connector, then spring back to provide secure locking, while also enabling easy release during demounting without requiring damage or special tools.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional connection devices are used to secure tubular connectors, then connection stability is achieved, but special demounting tools or component damage is required
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring with flexible legs is designed to be self-servicing during demounting operations. The flexible legs naturally deform under insertion force and can be manually released without requiring external tools or causing damage to components. The design inherently provides both stable connection during operation and simple demounting when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible legs undergo parameter changes in their physical state during operation - deforming elastically during assembly to accommodate the connector, then maintaining a locked position for stable connection. During demounting, the parameters are reversed by simple manual manipulation, allowing release without damage or special tools.
3Volume of moving object
If compact design is implemented in connection devices, then space efficiency is improved, but demounting capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring with flexible legs is designed to nest within the connection end fitting when not in use, maintaining a compact overall profile. Despite this nested compact design, the flexible legs can still fully extend and deform to securely lock the tubular connector during operation, and can be easily manipulated for demounting without requiring additional space or complexity.
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 a secure, compact, and easily demountable fluid connection that maintains sealing integrity, facilitating the reuse of components and simplifying maintenance processes.
Implementation Method 1
the two flexible legs being able to deform and close on the tubular connector when the male connector is introduced longitudinally into the locking ring
Data Source
AI summary
A connection device for connecting a tubular connector provided with an annular collar to an item of equipment comprising a passage, the connection device comprising: —a connection end fitting connecting to the passage of the item of equipment, the connection end fitting being formed by a tubular body with a head mounted thereon, the head being provided with a through-opening and comprising an ellipsoidal annular groove; —a locking ring having at least two longitudinal flexible legs for insertion into the connection end fitting, each having an outer surface bearing at least one lug intended to engage in the annular groove in order to hold the locking ring secured to the connection end fitting. The two flexible legs can be deformed and closed on the tubular connector in order to abut their free ends against the collar when the male connector is inserted longitudinally into the locking ring.