Fluid Connector Retainer for Low-Force Tube Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid connectors require high insertion force and often necessitate post-process machining, making assembly difficult and prone to errors, and the retaining clips are easily lost during the process.
Innovation Solution
A fluid connection assembly featuring a connector body with a groove and a retainer with flanges of different widths, allowing for quick assembly without tools and eliminating the need for post-process machining, with the retainer securing the tube to the connector body through a locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
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 retainer is designed with resilient arms that can flex radially outward to accommodate tube insertion and then return to their original position to secure the tube. This dynamic flexibility allows the retainer to provide strong retention force after insertion while requiring reduced insertion force during the assembly process.
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:
The retainer is pre-formed with integrated engagement features (teeth or hooks) that can directly engage with the tube outer surface without requiring any pre-machined slots or apertures in the connector body. This preliminary preparation of the retainer structure eliminates the need for post-process machining operations.
3Device complexity
If the retaining clip is made thin and small to fit the connector, then it can engage the tube, but it is easy to lose them if dropped or misplaced
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is integrated as a single piece with the connector body or securely attached to it, eliminating the need for separate small retaining clips that can be lost. The engagement features are built into the retainer structure itself, ensuring that all retention elements remain attached to the connector during assembly and operation.
4Reliability
If traditional fluid connectors are used, then fluid can travel between components, but assembly takes a long time and requires tools
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is designed to be self-installing onto the connector body through simple snap-fit or friction-fit engagement, eliminating the need for tools or complex assembly procedures. The resilient arms automatically engage with the connector body features, enabling quick tool-free assembly while ensuring reliable fluid connection.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid connection assembly, including a connector body, including a first end, a second end, a through-bore, and a radially outward facing surface including a groove, the groove including a first width, 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 radially inward facing surface, a first flange extending radially inward from the radially inward facing surface and operatively arranged to engage the groove, the first flange including a second width, the second width being less than the first width, and a second flange extending radially inward from the radially inward facing surface.