Quick Connector Flange Opening for Retainer Release in Tight Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connectors require significant free space around the coupling piece for actuating the retainer, which is often not available in modern vehicles, making it difficult to open and maintain the connection.
Innovation Solution
The quick connector design features a coupling piece with a first flange having a flange opening that allows a tool to exert force on the retainer and actuating element, where the outer border of the flange opening serves as a counter bearing, enabling radial inward force transmission without the need for additional space, allowing for compact installation and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If lever movements of the tool handle are used to pull or leverer the retainer out of the coupling piece, then the retainer can be opened, but significant free space around the coupling piece is required which is often not available in modern vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of pulling the retainer outward using lever movements, the invention presses the actuating element radially inward to open the retainer. This inversion of the opening mechanism eliminates the need for significant free space around the coupling piece, as the retainer is opened by inward pressure rather than outward leverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer border of the flange opening serves as a counter bearing (intermediary structure) that transmits the radial inward force from the tool to the actuating element. This intermediary structure enables force transmission without requiring additional space for lever movements, as the force is transmitted directly through the flange structure.
2Area of stationary object
If the outer border of the flange opening serves as a counter bearing, then radial inward force transmission is enabled without additional space, but the flange structure must withstand significant forces
Solution Approach 1:
The flange structure is designed with localized reinforcement at the outer border where the counter bearing function is required. This local quality enhancement allows the flange to withstand the significant radial inward forces transmitted during retainer opening, while maintaining overall compact dimensions without requiring additional space for actuation.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick connector for connection to a complementary counterpart comprises a coupling piece and a retainer for a section of a fluid having a coupling center axis defining an axial direction AD, a radial direction RD and a circumferential direction CD. The retainer is allocated to the coupling end, wherein the retainer has at least one retaining element for retaining the counterpart and at least one actuating element for opening the retainer for pulling the counterpart out of the coupling piece. The coupling piece comprises a first flange at the coupling end, wherein the first flange has a flange opening so as to insert a tool into the flange opening so that the tool can exert a force on the retainer and the actuating element, respectively. The flange opening has an outer border, wherein the outer border lies in radial direction RD outward of the flange opening.