Fluid Connection Retainer With Tool-Free Locking Tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid connection designs are difficult to secure due to the small confines of appliance interiors and require tools, and barbed tubes are susceptible to failure due to size and material brittleness, as well as inadequate radial force distribution from hose clamp designs.
Innovation Solution
A retainer for a fluid connection assembly is introduced, featuring a clamping portion with a radially outward facing surface having notches and a radially inward facing surface with ribs, along with a locking portion comprising tabs that engage to lock the retainer in place, reducing insertion force and enabling tool-free assembly and serviceability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional hose clamps and barbed tubes are used, then fluid connections can be made, but the insertion force required is high and tools are needed for assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer incorporates a resilient portion that can elastically deform to accommodate the barbed tube during insertion, then returns to its original shape to secure the connection. This dynamic behavior reduces the force required for assembly while maintaining a secure connection without requiring tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer's resilient portion changes its physical state from a deformed condition during insertion to a recovered condition during securing. This parameter change allows the retainer to adapt to the barbed tube geometry and provide secure retention with reduced insertion force.
2Ease of operation
If barbed tubes are used in confined spaces, then fluid connections can be made, but assembly and serviceability become difficult due to limited access
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently assembled and removed. This segmentation allows for easy serviceability in confined spaces, as the retainer can be detached and reattached without requiring disassembly of the entire fluid connection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer's resilient portion automatically secures the barbed tube through elastic recovery after insertion, eliminating the need for additional fastening operations or tools. This self-service mechanism simplifies assembly and enhances serviceability in confined appliance interiors.
3Reliability
If traditional hose clamp designs are used, then fluid connections can be secured, but radial force distribution is inadequate leading to connection failure
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer features a radially extending portion with a specific geometry designed to distribute radial forces locally at the interface with the barbed tube. This localized force distribution improves connection reliability by preventing stress concentration that could lead to tube failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer is formed from a resilient material that combines elastic properties with structural integrity. This material selection enables the retainer to distribute radial forces evenly while maintaining the mechanical strength required for reliable fluid connections.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4~5A
AI summary
A retainer (50, 150, 250) for a fluid connection assembly (10), including a clamping portion (64, 160, 180, 264), including a first end (52, 162, 252), a second end (54, 164, 254), a radially outward facing surface (56, 166, 256), a radially inward facing surface (58, 168, 258), a first circumferential end (66, 266), and a second circumferential end (68, 268) displaceable with respect to the first circumferential end (66, 266), and a locking portion, including a first tab (70, 200, 270) connected to the first circumferential end (66, 266), and a second tab (80, 210, 280) connected to the second circumferential end (68, 268), wherein the first tab (70, 200, 270) is arranged to engage the second tab (80, 210, 280) to lock the first tab (70, 200, 270) to the second tab (80, 210, 280).