Fluid Connector Locking Arms for Secure High-Pressure Tube Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid connectors in hydraulic and pneumatic systems face issues such as increased maintenance requirements due to thin mold components and asymmetric contact surfaces causing stress and tilt angles, leading to inefficient fluid connections and potential detachment under pressure.
Innovation Solution
A fluid connector with a flexible locking element featuring engagement arms that surround the conduit by a wide angle, providing a secure axial position and distributing axial forces effectively, while also incorporating a slot with guiding surfaces to maintain the arms' position and a resilient design for enhanced connection strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flat metal clamp is used to connect inner and outer tube components, then the clamp can be securely mounted in a radial direction inside a slot of the outer tube, but the slot geometry must be very thin requiring thin mold components which increase maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed with curved engagement surfaces that conform to the cylindrical shape of the inner tube component. The engagement arms feature rounded contact surfaces that wrap around the tube, providing secure radial mounting without requiring thin slot geometries. This curved design distributes contact forces more effectively than flat surfaces, allowing thicker, more durable mold components.
2Ease of operation
If a flat metal clamp with asymmetric contact surface is used, then the clamp can enclose the inner tube by up to 180°, but the inner pressure causes axial force resulting in side load and tilt angle between tube components
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element employs asymmetric engagement arm geometry where the contact surfaces are specifically shaped to counterbalance the axial forces generated by internal pressure. The arms feature offset contact points and varying thickness profiles that create compensating moments, eliminating side loads and preventing tilt angles between connected tube components while maintaining the 180° enclosure capability.
3Ease of operation
If a locking element with several notches is used to enable axial mounting, then the mounting process can be realized in axial direction, but the axial force causes significant deformation of the weakened locking component
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is divided into distinct functional segments: a reinforced base section that resists axial deformation, and flexible engagement arms that provide mounting capability. The arms are connected to the base through strategically positioned notches that allow controlled flexibility while maintaining overall structural integrity. This segmentation enables axial mounting operations while preventing excessive deformation under axial loads.
4Reliability
If the engagement arms are made flexible to accommodate the conduit, then the locking element can at least partially surround the conduit providing secure connection, but the arms require guiding surfaces to maintain position against the conduit
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding surfaces are integrated into the three-dimensional geometry of the slot structure rather than being added as separate components. The slot features radially extending guide surfaces that naturally guide the flexible engagement arms into proper positioning as they deform around the conduit. This dimensional integration provides the necessary guidance functionality while maintaining a compact, simple overall structure.
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 connector achieves a stronger and more reliable fluid connection by distributing axial forces and reducing strain on the locking element, minimizing the risk of detachment and maintaining a secure seal even under high pressure, thus improving the durability and efficiency of fluid conduit connections.
Implementation Method 1
The two engagement arms are flexible engagement arms... the engagement arms are retained against the first fluid conduit and have respective lengths such that the locking element at least partially surrounds the first fluid conduit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention provides a connector for forming a fluid connection between at least a first fluid conduit and a second fluid conduit with each other. The inventive connector comprises a body defining at least one aperture configured to receive an end of the first fluid conduit. The connector further comprises a locking element comprising a base and a pair of engagement arms extending therefrom, wherein the engagement arms are configured so as to accommodate the end of the first fluid conduit therebetween. The locking element is configured to be at least partially received by a slot defined by the body and, when the end of the first fluid conduit is located within the connector, to engage the first fluid conduit so as to resist withdrawal of the first fluid conduit from the connector. The two engagement arms are flexible engagement arms. Further when the locking element is located in the slot and the end of the first fluid conduit is located in the body of the connector, the engagement arms are retained against, the first fluid conduit such that the locking element at least partially surrounds the first fluid conduit.