Fluid Connector Double Locking for Sealed Anti-Disassembly Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid connection devices for motor vehicles and other applications often require numerous parts and do not adequately allow for assembly clearance or movement, leading to insufficient displacement or movement capacity, and risk accidental disassembly during operation or handling.
Innovation Solution
A fluid connection device featuring a male and female connector with a double fastening mechanism using resilient snap-fastening and bayonet effects, ensuring irreversible assembly and allowing for degrees of freedom such as translation, rotation, and articulation, thus simplifying the device to three main parts: the connectors and a seal, preventing accidental disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single fastening mechanism is used, then the device structure is simple, but the connection reliability is insufficient and accidental disassembly may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two different fastening mechanisms (resilient snap-fastening and bayonet fastening) into a single integrated connection system. The resilient arms provide initial snap-fastening engagement, while the bayonet mechanism provides secondary mechanical interlocking through slots and protrusions. This merging of multiple fastening approaches in one unified structure achieves high connection reliability without requiring separate fastening components, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If numerous parts are used to allow degree of freedom, then the movement capacity is sufficient, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient arms serve multiple functions: they provide the primary snap-fastening engagement, allow for degree of freedom through their elastic deformation, and guide the alignment of connectors during assembly. The bayonet slots and protrusions similarly provide both mechanical interlocking and accommodate movement. This multi-functionality of each component eliminates the need for separate parts to handle different functions, thus achieving sufficient adaptability while maintaining simple device structure.
3Reliability
If the fastening is made irreversible, then accidental disassembly is prevented, but the ease of operation for disassembly is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient arms provide a dynamic fastening system where the elastic elements can be deformed to overcome the snap-fit engagement. During normal operation, the arms maintain strong holding force preventing accidental disassembly. However, when intentional disassembly is required, applying sufficient force in the opposite direction allows the resilient arms to deform and release the connection. This dynamic characteristic resolves the contradiction by providing both strong retention and controlled release capability.
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 reliable, sealed connection that maintains assembly integrity during operation, transport, and handling by allowing for necessary movement and alignment adjustments, ensuring a secure seal and reducing the risk of accidental disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
the resilient snap-fastening being configured to be irreversible without deterioration so that, after fastening, the device cannot be dismantled without deterioration
Implementation Method 2
the connectors are fastened together by double fastening by resilient snap-fastening and by bayonet
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a fluid connection device (10) comprising a male connector (12) and a female connector (14), which are configured to be fitted one inside the other along an axis X so as to produce a fluid connection, and at least one annular seal (16) carried by one of the connectors and configured to engage with the other connector in order to ensure a seal between the connectors, the connectors being configured to be fastened to each other by resilient snap-fastening and to retain, after fastening, at least one degree of freedom with respect to each other, characterised in that the connectors are fastened together by a double fastening by resilient snap-fastening and by bayonet, this resilient snap-fastening being configured to be irreversible without deterioration so that, after fastening, the device cannot be dismantled without deterioration.