Quick-Fit Fluid Connection with Radial Undercut and Elastic Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick-fit connections for fluid distribution systems are structurally complex and costly, with inconvenient uncoupling operations, especially in smaller fittings, which hinders ease of use and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A connection device featuring a male portion with radial undercuts and a retention element with elastic arms that engage and disengage easily, allowing quick and secure coupling and uncoupling without tools, utilizing a 'U' shaped retention element with elastic arms that move between locking and release positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If clamp-couplings with gripper elements are used for quick-fit connections, then the coupling rapidity is improved, but the structural complexity increases and production costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is divided into two separate fittings: a first fitting with a male end portion containing radial undercuts, and a second fitting with a female end portion containing the retention element. This segmentation allows each component to have a simple, dedicated function while achieving quick coupling through their interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention element is extracted as a separate component from the female fitting, allowing it to be independently designed with elastic arms that can easily engage and disengage. This extraction simplifies the overall structure by separating the retention function from the structural housing.
2Productivity
If clamp-couplings with gripper elements are used for quick-fit connections, then the coupling rapidity is improved, but the uncoupling operation becomes inconvenient especially in reduced dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The retention element incorporates elastic arms that can dynamically move between a locked position (engaging the radial undercut) and a released position. This dynamic capability allows the retention element to automatically lock during coupling while enabling easy manual release by pressing the elastic arm, solving the uncoupling convenience problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic arms of the retention element automatically engage with the radial undercut during the coupling operation without requiring additional locking actions. The system self-locks through the elastic deformation of the arms, eliminating the need for complex manual locking mechanisms and improving both rapidity and ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If retention elements with elastic arms are used, then ease of operation for uncoupling is improved, but device complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retention element uses flexible elastic arms that can bend and deform elastically to engage and disengage from the radial undercut. These thin, flexible elements replace complex mechanical locking mechanisms, achieving ease of operation while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of elastic deformation rather than rigid mechanical 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 solution provides a simple, cost-effective, and user-friendly connection method that ensures rapid and convenient operation for both coupling and uncoupling, maintaining structural simplicity while ensuring a sealed fluid passage.
Implementation Method 1
a retention element (20) provided on the second fitting (12) and comprising at least one elastic arm (22) movable in a radial direction, i.e. in a plane perpendicular to the engagement axis (X), between a locking position and a release position
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A connection device between two components of a fluid distribution system comprises a first fitting (10) connectable to or made on a respective first component and a second fitting (12) connectable to or made on a respective second component. The first fitting comprises a male end portion (14); the second fitting comprises a female end portion (16) suitable to sealingly receive said male portion. In said male portion at least one radial undercut (18) is made, while said female portion supports a retention element (20) having at least one elastic arm (22) movable in a radial direction in a respective seat (24) between a locked position and a release position. Said seat element (24) is open towards said radial undercut so that the elastic arm, when in said locking position, engages in said radial undercut (18).