Fluid Connector Retainer Assembly for Low-Force Tube Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid connection assemblies require high insertion force and post-process machining, making assembly difficult and prone to errors, and often necessitate tools, while retaining clips are easily lost due to their small size and thinness.
Innovation Solution
A fluid connection assembly with a retainer that eliminates the need for post-process machining and reduces insertion force, featuring a retainer design with a radially outward facing surface and flange that engages a groove on the connector body, allowing for quick assembly without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a retaining clip is used to secure the tube to the connector body, then the tube can be retained, but the insertion force required to overcome the radial force of the retaining clip is very large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional retaining clip design by using a retainer with outwardly extending lugs that engage with inwardly extending slots in the tube. Instead of the clip resisting insertion radially, the lugs guide the tube during insertion and then lock it in place axially, converting the insertion force direction and reducing the required force magnitude.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer is segmented into multiple lugs distributed around its circumference, each engaging with corresponding slots in the tube. This segmentation distributes the retaining force across multiple contact points, reducing the radial force concentration and enabling easier insertion while maintaining strong retention.
2Reliability
If slots or apertures are machined in the connector body for the retaining clip, then the retaining clip can engage the tube, but extra post-process manufacturing is required
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of machining slots in the connector body to receive a retaining clip, the patent inverts the approach by providing slots in the tube and using a retainer with lugs that engage these slots. This eliminates the need for post-process machining of the connector body, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining reliable engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The slots are pre-formed in the tube during tube manufacturing, before assembly with the connector body. The retainer is then simply pressed onto the tube, with its lugs engaging the pre-formed slots, eliminating the need for subsequent machining operations on the connector body.
3Reliability
If a retaining clip is used, then the tube can be secured, but installation of the retaining clip onto the connector body is difficult and failure to install properly can jeopardize structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the installation sequence by first placing the retainer on the tube (where it naturally fits over the outer diameter), and then inserting the entire assembly into the connector body. This is much easier than trying to install a thin retaining clip onto the connector body after the tube is in place, eliminating installation difficulties and ensuring proper positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer is nested onto the tube, forming a pre-assembled sub-assembly. This nested configuration ensures proper alignment and positioning before insertion into the connector body, making installation straightforward and reducing the risk of improper installation that could compromise structural integrity.
4Reliability
If traditional fluid connection assemblies are used, then fluid can travel between components, but assembly takes a long time and requires tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the retainer and connector body into a more integrated assembly, where the retainer is press-fit onto the connector body with lugs engaging slots in the body. This combined design maintains reliable fluid connection while enabling tool-free, quick assembly by eliminating separate retaining clip installation steps and post-process machining.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A fluid connection assembly, including a connector body, including a first end, a second end, a first through-bore, and a first radially outward facing surface comprising a first groove, and a retainer removably connected to the connector body, the retainer including a first section, including a third end engaged with the first groove, a fourth end, a first flange arranged between the third end and the fourth end, a first male connector, and a first female connector, and a second section, including a fifth end engaged with the first groove, a sixth end, a second flange arranged between the fifth end and the sixth end, a second male connector arranged to engage with the first female connector, and a second female connector arranged to engage with the first male connector, wherein, in a locked state the first flange and the second flange abut against the second end.