Demountable Fluid Connector Lock for Compact Tool-Free Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid connection devices in the automotive and braking fields are often bulky or not easily demountable, requiring special tools for disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A compact demountable connection device featuring a tubular body with a retaining groove, a flexible lock with radially extending lugs and indexing pieces, and an unlocking ring with ramps to facilitate easy assembly and disassembly of a tubular connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional connection devices are used to securely connect tubular connectors to equipment, then connection reliability is improved, but device size increases and demountability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is divided into distinct functional segments: a connection end fitting with thread for equipment attachment, a flexible ring-shaped lock with lugs for connector retention, and an unlocking ring with collar for demounting. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall device compact.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock is designed as a flexible ring-shaped component that can dynamically deform during connection and demounting operations. The flexibility allows the lock to open when the collar is inserted and close automatically when the connector is inserted, providing adaptive retention without requiring bulky rigid structures.
2Strength
If traditional connection devices are used to securely retain tubular connectors, then connection strength is improved, but ease of demounting deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The unlocking ring with collar acts as an intermediary tool that mediates the demounting process. When the collar is inserted and rotated, it interacts with the indexing pieces on the lugs to force the flexible lock to open, enabling easy demounting without requiring special tools while maintaining strong connection during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible lock automatically closes on the tubular connector after insertion, securing it without requiring additional fastening operations. The lock's elasticity provides self-retention, and the connection device can be demounted simply by rotating the unlocking ring, making the operation self-service oriented.
3Reliability
If conventional connection devices are used to connect fluid circulation ducts, then connection security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into a single integrated device: the connection end fitting with thread combines equipment attachment and fluid passage functions; the flexible lock combines retention and sealing functions; the unlocking ring combines demounting operation and lock release functions. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining connection security.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection device is designed with universal applicability through standardized threading on the connection end fitting and a flexible lock mechanism that can accommodate various tubular connector sizes. The same device structure serves multiple purposes: connection, retention, sealing, and controlled demounting.
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
Enables secure, compact, and easily demountable fluid connections without the need for special tools, ensuring reliable operation and maintenance in the automotive and braking applications.
Implementation Method 1
the flexible lock being deformable and the lugs being able to close on the tubular connector after the passage of the collar
Implementation Method 2
The collar is provided with unlocking elements intended to interact with the indexing pieces of the flexible lock to force it to open when the unlocking ring is rotated
Data Source
AI summary
A connection device for connecting a tubular connector to equipment comprises: —a connection end fitting formed by a tubular body and a head mounted thereon, the head being provided with an opening leading into the tubular body and comprising a retaining groove; —a flexible lock, which has an annular shape and is intended to be partially received in the retaining groove, the lock being provided with lugs extending radially toward the center of the lock, wherein the flexible lock is deformable and the lugs can close on the tubular connector and abut against the collar when the tubular connector is introduced into the connection end fitting; —an unlocking ring having a collar for insertion into the connection end fitting, the collar including unlocking elements for interacting with the flexible lock to force the opening thereof when the unlocking ring is rotated.