Fluid Connector Retaining Clip Assembly Without Machined Slots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid connectors require post-process machining for slot creation in the connector body to accommodate retaining clips, making assembly difficult and prone to errors, and the clips are easily lost due to their small size.
Innovation Solution
A fluid connector design featuring a radially expandable retaining clip and a retaining plate with a flange that crimps inward to secure the clip within the connector body, eliminating the need for post-process machining and reducing assembly force, while ensuring the clip is always contained.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If slots or apertures are machined in the connector body to accommodate the retaining clip, then the retaining clip can engage the tube end form, but post-process machining is required which increases manufacturing complexity and time
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining clip is pre-installed onto the connector body in a compressed state before the tube end form is inserted. This preliminary action eliminates the need for post-process machining of slots or apertures, as the clip is already positioned to engage the tube end form's raised shoulder when inserted.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining clip utilizes elastic deformation to change its dimensional parameters. The clip is compressed radially inward during installation and then expands to its normal diameter to engage the tube end form, eliminating the need for pre-machined slots while maintaining reliable engagement.
2Reliability
If the retaining clip is installed onto the connector body during assembly, then the clip can engage the tube end form, but installation is difficult and improper installation can jeopardize structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining clip is pre-installed onto the connector body in a compressed, low-profile state before the tube end form is inserted. This preliminary installation is performed at a convenient assembly position without requiring difficult manipulation, and the clip automatically expands to its functional state upon tube insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining clip transitions from a static compressed state during installation to a dynamic expanded state during operation. This dynamic behavior allows easy installation in a compressed state while maintaining secure engagement in the expanded state, resolving the contradiction between installation ease and reliability.
3Volume of moving object
If the retaining clip is made thin and small to fit within the connector body, then the connector can be more compact, but the clip is easily lost if dropped or misplaced
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining clip is nested within the connector body during storage and transport, fitting inside the hollow interior of the connector. This nesting arrangement keeps the small, thin clip contained and prevents loss, while still allowing it to expand and engage the tube end form when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector body itself serves as an intermediary containment structure for the retaining clip. The hollow interior of the connector body acts as a protective environment that prevents the small clip from being lost during handling, while still allowing the clip to perform its retention function when the tube end form is inserted.
4Reliability
If the retaining clip is expanded radially to engage the tube end form, then secure engagement is achieved, but high insertion force is required
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining clip is pre-compressed to a smaller diameter before tube end form insertion, storing elastic potential energy. During tube insertion, this stored energy is released as the clip automatically expands radially to engage the tube's raised shoulder, achieving secure engagement without requiring high external insertion force.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining clip performs self-service by automatically expanding to its functional diameter as the tube end form is inserted into the connector body. This self-expansion mechanism eliminates the need for external force to expand the clip, reducing the overall insertion force required while maintaining secure engagement.
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
This design simplifies assembly, reduces the risk of clip loss, and allows for a more compact connector body, enhancing ergonomic assembly and reducing debris, while ensuring a secure connection without the need for external expansion or machining.
Implementation Method 1
the flange is operatively arranged to be crimped radially inward around the retaining plate
Implementation Method 2
a retaining clip operatively arranged to engage the first surface, the retaining clip being radially expandable within the connector body
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid connector, including a connector body, including a first through-bore, a first surface, a second surface, and a flange, a retaining clip operatively arranged to engage the first surface, the retaining clip being radially expandable within the connector body, and a retaining plate arranged to be inserted into the first through-bore, including a distal surface arranged to engage the second surface, a proximal surface, and a second through-bore, wherein the flange is operatively arranged to be crimped radially inward around the retaining plate.