Fluid Pipe Coupling with C-Shaped Wire Spring Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid pipe connector couplings for automobiles lack a robust and compact design that ensures a quick, sealed joint with secure locking and easy assembly, often requiring complex mechanisms and providing incomplete sealing when partially inserted.
Innovation Solution
A coupling design featuring a C-shaped rigid metallic wire as an elastically deformable blocking element and a locking sleeve with radial recesses, allowing radial deformation for initial insertion and preventing it for secure locking, along with a visual and tactile indication of correct locking through a tubular body and detent mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism is used to ensure secure locking, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the blocking element (C-shaped wire) that provides the locking action, and the locking sleeve that controls the blocking element's movement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic elastically deformable component. The C-shaped wire can radially expand to engage with the locking sleeve's recesses during insertion, then maintain a locked position through elastic memory, providing reliable locking without complex mechanical joints.
2Volume of moving object
If a compact design is implemented, then the volume of the coupling is reduced, but the ease of assembly may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is nested within the locking sleeve, with the C-shaped wire positioned inside the tubular body. The blocking element's free extremities engage with recesses in the locking sleeve, creating a compact nested arrangement that minimizes volume while maintaining ease of assembly through the radial deformation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element utilizes elastic deformation as a temporary state during assembly, transitioning from a radially expanded configuration (for insertion) to a radially contracted locked configuration. This parameter change allows the compact design to accommodate the assembly process without requiring additional space.
3Strength
If the blocking element is always rigid, then the structural strength is improved, but the ease of insertion is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic elastically deformable component. The C-shaped wire can radially expand to engage with the locking sleeve's recesses during insertion, then maintain a locked position through elastic memory, providing reliable locking without complex mechanical joints.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element utilizes elastic deformation as a temporary state during assembly, transitioning from a radially expanded configuration (for insertion) to a radially contracted locked configuration. This parameter change allows the compact design to accommodate the assembly process without requiring additional space.
4Ease of operation
If visual and tactile indication mechanisms are added, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism provides its own indication through the natural movement and positioning of existing components. The blocking element's engagement with the locking sleeve's recesses and the resulting axial positioning inherently provide visual and tactile feedback without requiring separate indication mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking sleeve serves multiple functions: it controls the blocking element's radial deformation, provides the locking action through axial movement, and simultaneously provides visual and tactile indication through its position relative to the base. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate indication components.
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
Ensures a sealed joint only when the male end-piece is fully inserted, providing a secure and easy-to-assemble connection with visual and tactile confirmation of locking, enhancing the robustness and compactness of the fluid pipe connector.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically deformable blocking element for blocking the end-piece in the base when the end-piece is pushed sufficiently deep in axial direction in the base
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling for a connector for fluid pipes includes a female base in which a male end-piece is inserted to produce a sealed connection. An elastically deformable C-shaped metal wire spring immobilizes the end-piece in the base. A locking sleeve is movable axially around the spring and the base between a first axial position in which the spring can deform radially towards the outside of the base, and a second axial position prohibiting the radial deformation of the spring. The sleeve has at least one radial interior recess into which the spring retracts when deformed by the end-piece in the first position. Each recess is offset axially with respect to the spring in the second position, preventing the radial deformation of the spring and thereby safeguarding the sealed connection.