Fluid Coupling Release Clip for Easy Disconnect in Tight Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connecting and disconnecting fluid conduits, such as water lines to and from a faucet, is difficult in confined spaces due to issues like over-tightening leading to leaks, alignment challenges, and difficulty in disassembly of conventional quick connectors, which complicates repair or replacement.
Innovation Solution
A quick connect and disconnect system featuring a resilient clip with lugs and apertures that align automatically and a release adaptor with deflectable tabs for easy assembly and disassembly, allowing for a secure and intuitive connection and disconnection process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If threaded connections are used to connect water lines, then the connection can be secure, but over-tightening may occur leading to leaks and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate components: a fitting with external threads, a receiver with internal threads, and a distinct clip mechanism. This segmentation allows the threading to provide secure attachment while the separate clip provides controlled retention without requiring excessive tightening force that would damage seals.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip acts as an intermediary retention mechanism between the threaded fitting and receiver. Instead of relying solely on threaded engagement which requires high tightening force, the clip provides an additional retention layer that secures the connection without requiring over-tightening, thereby preventing seal damage and leaks.
2Productivity
If conventional quick connectors are used, then assembly is faster, but proper alignment of small elements is difficult in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting and receiver are designed with self-aligning features where the clip automatically orients itself during insertion. The geometric configuration of the clip, lugs, and apertures ensures proper alignment without requiring the user to manually position small elements, making the quick connection process both fast and easy even in confined spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip features asymmetric lugs and the receiver has corresponding asymmetric aperture arrangements. This asymmetric design provides tactile and visual cues for proper orientation, allowing users to quickly identify the correct alignment position without complex alignment procedures, thereby maintaining fast assembly while improving ease of operation.
3Productivity
If conventional quick connectors are used, then connection is quick, but disassembly is difficult making repair or replacement difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The clip incorporates resilient deflectable tabs that can dynamically change their retention characteristics. During normal operation, the tabs maintain strong retention. During disassembly, when force is applied to the release mechanism, the tabs can deflect and release, allowing easy separation. This dynamic behavior enables both quick connection and easy disassembly for repair or replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention function is segmented from the structural connection function. The threaded fitting and receiver provide the structural connection that remains secure, while the separate clip with deflectable tabs provides the retention function that can be easily released. This segmentation allows the connection to be both secure and easily disassembled by simply releasing the clip without affecting the threaded components.
4Ease of operation
If release tabs are made resilient to deflect through apertures, then disassembly is easier, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The release tabs are merged with the clip body as an integrated resilient structure rather than separate components. The deflectable tabs are formed as part of the clip's monolithic structure, allowing them to provide the release function while maintaining a simple overall design. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies manufacturing while still providing easy disassembly through the resilient deflection mechanism.
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
Facilitates easy and secure fluid coupling and uncoupling in tight spaces without the need for precise alignment, reducing the risk of leaks and simplifying maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the release tabs is configured to resiliently deflect through an aperture, and each of the release tabs terminates at the center point
Data Source
AI summary
A quick connect and disconnect system for a fluid coupling includes an axially extending fitting configured to be secured to a fluid conduit, a clip, and a quick connect and disconnect adaptor. The clip is coupled to the fitting and includes a base, a wing extending from the base, and a first lug extending from the first wing. The quick connect and disconnect adaptor includes a first release tab configured to resiliently deflect through an aperture of the adaptor. The adaptor is configured to transfer a compressive force to resiliently deflect the first lug to move the clip in an axial direction from an installed position to an uninstalled position.