Fluid Connector Intermediate Ring Reduces Mounting Stress
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of fluidic connection devices leads to increased production costs due to damage from excessive insertion forces and snagging, as manufacturers reduce the finish of radii and chamfers to simplify production, potentially damaging seals and locking elements.
Innovation Solution
A fluid connection device with a sliding intermediate ring that pre-opens the U-shaped locking element, reducing mounting forces by allowing the pipe to push the intermediate ring axially, which separates the locking element arms before abutment, facilitating easier connection without requiring precise pipe shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manufacturers reduce the finish of radii and chamfers to simplify production, then manufacturing cost is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but excessive insertion forces are generated that can damage seals and locking elements
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate ring performs a preliminary action by pre-separating the locking element arms before the pipe reaches the final locking position. This preliminary separation reduces the insertion force required when the pipe engages with the locking groove, preventing damage to seals and locking elements while maintaining simplified manufacturing of the pipe ends.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate ring acts as an intermediary element between the pipe and the locking element. It mediates the interaction by using its chamfered surface to push the locking element arms apart in advance, thereby reducing the harmful insertion forces that would otherwise directly affect the seals and locking elements during connection.
2Device complexity
If the locking element arms are kept closed during insertion, then the structure is simpler, but excessive forces are required that can cause clamping or snagging
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate ring performs a preliminary action by separating the locking element arms before the pipe reaches the final locking position. This preliminary separation reduces the insertion force required when the pipe engages with the locking groove, preventing damage to seals and locking elements while maintaining simplified manufacturing of the pipe ends.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static locked configuration to a dynamic state during insertion. The intermediate ring enables the locking element arms to dynamically open during the insertion process, allowing the pipe to pass through with reduced force, and then return to the locked position upon completion of insertion.
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 reduces the forces required for pipe mounting, ensures secure locking without damaging seals or locking elements, and allows for visual verification of the locked position, enhancing the reliability and ease of assembly.
Implementation Method 1
the two arms being adapted to move apart elastically from each other in said receiving chamber in a direction transverse to said axial direction
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a fluid communication device including a tubular body (2) which enables the circulation of a fluid and which has an end piece (20) that is to be connected, by means of the axial insertion thereof, to a plug-in pipe having an outer annular locking groove, as well as an assembly head (2) having a receiving chamber in which the tubular end piece is mounted. The assembly head further includes a U-shaped locking element (6) having two arms that are inserted into the receiving chamber in an insertion direction that is perpendicular to said axial direction. An intermediate ring (4) is slidably mounted in said receiving chamber in order to achieve the pre-opening of the locking element just before said plug-in pipe reaches the position thereof in which it engages with the end piece.