Fluid Connector Retainer Assembly for Low-Force Tube Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid connectors for refrigeration systems require high insertion force, are difficult to assemble, and often necessitate post-process machining, leading to potential structural integrity issues and tool dependency, while also being prone to clip loss and assembly time inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A fluid connection assembly featuring a connector body with annular grooves and a retainer with flanges that engage these grooves, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly without tools, reducing insertion force, and eliminating the need for post-process machining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a retaining clip is used to secure the tube in the connector body, then the connection reliability is improved, but the insertion force required becomes very large
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two main segments: a connector body and a separate retainer. The retainer is a distinct component that can be independently installed onto the connector body. This segmentation allows the retaining function to be separated from the main connector structure, enabling the retainer to be pre-installed or easily attached without requiring high insertion forces on the main connector body during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer is designed to be pre-installed onto the connector body before the tube is inserted. By performing the retaining clip installation in advance, the system ensures proper retention mechanism placement without requiring high forces during the final tube insertion step. The retainer can be securely attached to the connector body using minimal force beforehand, and then the tube simply needs to be inserted through the already-prepared retention mechanism.
2Strength
If slots are machined in the connector body for the retaining clip, then the structural integrity is improved, but post-process manufacturing is required
Solution Approach 1:
The retention function is segmented into a separate retainer component rather than being integrated into the connector body through machined slots. This allows the connector body to maintain its structural integrity without requiring additional slots or apertures, while the retainer provides the necessary retention functionality as a separate element that can be attached to the connector body's outer surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining clip functionality is extracted from the connector body structure itself and placed into a separate retainer component. Instead of machining slots into the connector body to accommodate a retaining clip, the retainer is designed as an independent element that engages with the connector body externally, eliminating the need for post-process machining operations on the connector body.
3Device complexity
If the retaining clip is made thin and small, then the device complexity is reduced, but it is easy to lose if dropped or misplaced
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is merged with the tube assembly rather than being a separate small component that could be lost. The retainer is designed to be installed onto the tube or connector body as an integrated unit, ensuring that the retention function remains attached to the main assembly throughout the installation process. This merging eliminates the risk of the retaining component being dropped or misplaced during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer is designed to be self-retaining on the connector body or tube through its own structural features, such as elastic deformation or mechanical interlocking. This self-service capability ensures that the retainer remains securely attached without requiring additional fasteners or attachment mechanisms that could be lost, while maintaining simplicity in design.
4Ease of manufacture
If a traditional fluid connector design is used, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the assembly time becomes long and tools are required
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system is segmented into a connector body and a separate retainer that can be independently manufactured using simple processes. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using straightforward manufacturing methods, while the retainer's design enables quick attachment to the connector body without requiring specialized tools or complex assembly procedures, thereby increasing assembly speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer is designed with dynamic characteristics, such as elastic deformation capabilities, that allow it to be quickly installed onto the connector body by hand without requiring tools. The retainer can be elastically deformed during installation to snap onto the connector body, providing a tool-free assembly process that significantly reduces assembly time while maintaining manufacturing simplicity for both components.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid connection assembly, including a connector body, including a first end, a second end, a through-bore, a first radially outward facing surface including an annular groove, a first radially inward facing surface extending from the first end, and a second radially inward facing surface extending from the second end, and a retainer operatively arranged to be removably connected to the connector body, the retainer including a third end, a fourth end, a first section, a second section displaceable with respect to the first section, a third radially inward facing surface, a first flange extending radially inward from the third radially inward facing surface and operatively arranged to engage the annular groove, and a second flange extending radially inward from the third radially inward facing surface.