Demountable Fluid Connector With Flexible Lock for Compact Braking Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid connection devices in the automobile field, particularly in braking systems, are often bulky or difficult to remove and require specialized tools, limiting their practicality and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A compact connection device featuring a tubular connector with a flexible ring-shaped latch and an unlocking ring, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly by deforming the latch to secure the tubular connector and using ramps to facilitate unlocking, enabling a secure and removable fluid connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tubular connector with retaining collar is used to secure fluid circulation lines, then connection reliability is improved, but device bulkiness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining collar is nested within the connection fitting structure, and the flexible lock is integrated into the retaining collar assembly. This nesting approach allows multiple functional elements to occupy overlapping spatial volumes, reducing the overall device bulk while maintaining connection reliability through the combined action of the collar and flexible lock.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible lock is implemented as a thin, deformable component that can be elastically deformed during insertion and then springs back to provide locking force. This flexible element provides reliable retention with minimal material volume, as it derives its locking force from elastic deformation rather than requiring bulky mechanical structures.
2Strength
If additional retaining parts are added to secure the tubular connector, then connection strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining collar and flexible lock are merged into a single integrated assembly where the flexible lock is positioned within the retaining collar structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate retaining components while providing combined retention and locking functions, reducing device complexity while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible lock automatically engages with the indexing piece and deforms under the passage of the retaining collar to create a self-locking mechanism. This self-service locking action eliminates the need for additional actuators or complex retention mechanisms, as the flexible material itself provides the retaining force through its elastic properties.
3Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of disassembly worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The indexing piece acts as an intermediary element between the flexible lock and the release mechanism. During normal operation, it provides secure locking by engaging with the flexible lock. During disassembly, it serves as the interface for the release tool or mechanism to apply force and deform the flexible lock, enabling easy removal while maintaining reliable connection during use.
4Reliability
If specialized disassembly tools are required, then locking reliability is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The release ring is extracted as a separate, standalone component that can be independently manipulated. This extracted release mechanism provides a simple external interface for disassembly that does not require specialized tools, as it can be operated by hand or with common tools, while the main locking structure maintains its reliability through the flexible lock and indexing piece 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
The solution provides a compact, easily removable, and secure fluid connection that is accessible without specialized tools, enhancing usability and efficiency in applications like automotive braking systems.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible lock (7) of annular shape intended to be housed partly in the retaining groove, the lock having lugs (71) extending radially towards the center of the lock... the flexible lock being able to deform and the lugs to close on the tubular connector after the passage of the collar to butt against it
Implementation Method 2
the lugs have inclined planes to facilitate the deformation of the lock when the tubular connector is inserted through the connection tip
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a connection device (100) of a tubular connector (1) to an item of equipment (2). This device comprises: - a connection end fitting (3), which connection end fitting (3) is formed by a tubular body (30) and a head (31) mounted thereon, said head being provided with an opening leading into the tubular body (30) and comprising a retaining groove (33); - a flexible lock (7) which has an annular shape and is intended to be partially received in the retaining groove (33), the lock being provided with lugs (71) extending radially toward the center of the lock (7), wherein the flexible lock (7) is deformable and the lugs (71) can close on the tubular connector (1) and abut against the collar (10) when the tubular connector (1) is introduced longitudinally into the connection end fitting (3); - an unlocking ring (4) having a collar (41) intended to be inserted into the connection end fitting (3), the collar (41) being provided with unlocking elements (42) intended to interact with the flexible lock (7) in order to force the opening thereof when the unlocking ring (4) is driven in rotation.