Fluid Connection Secondary Retainer for Tube Ejection Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid connectors in automotive systems face failures due to improper installation or high fluid pressure, leading to the need for a secondary retainer that provides added securement and backup in case of retaining clip failure.
Innovation Solution
A fluid connection assembly featuring a secondary retainer with a cylindrical portion and arm portions that engage the connector body and retaining clip, providing additional securing force and preventing ejection of the tube from the connector body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single retaining clip is used to secure the tube in the connector body, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability is insufficient under high fluid pressure or improper installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating a secondary retainer as a backup security measure against retaining clip failure. The secondary retainer includes a cylindrical portion that engages the tube and a locking mechanism with arms that snap into grooves on the connector body, creating a redundant retention system that activates if the primary retaining clip fails under high pressure or improper installation.
2Reliability
If a secondary retainer is added to provide backup securement, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating the secondary retainer's cylindrical portion, locking arms, and spring mechanism into a single compact assembly that fits within the existing connector body structure. The retainer arms are pivotally connected to the cylindrical portion and work together with the spring to provide automatic engagement and locking, reducing the need for separate components while maintaining redundant security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service through the spring-loaded locking mechanism that automatically engages the retainer arms with the connector body grooves during assembly. The spring provides continuous force to maintain engagement, and the mechanism self-locks without requiring additional fasteners or complex adjustment procedures, simplifying the overall installation process despite the added reliability feature.
3Strength
If the retaining clip is designed to be simple for easy installation, then the ease of operation is high, but the strength of retention is insufficient under high fluid pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the retention function into two independent systems: a simple retaining clip for initial tube insertion and basic retention, and a secondary retainer with locking arms for enhanced security under high pressure. Each component can be installed and secured independently, allowing the simple clip to provide ease of operation while the segmented locking mechanism provides the necessary retention strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by pre-positioning the secondary retainer's locking arms in a ready-to-engage state that activates automatically when the tube is inserted. The spring-loaded mechanism is pre-loaded to provide immediate locking force, cushioning against the high fluid pressures that may occur during operation without requiring complex installation procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A retainer for a fluid connection assembly, including a cylindrical portion including a first end, a second end, a radially inward facing surface, and a radially outward facing surface, and a plurality of arm portions separated by circumferential spaces, each arm portion of the plurality of arm portions including a first member including a proximal end pivotably connected to the second end, the first member extending radially outward from the second end in a first axial direction, and a second member pivotably connected to a distal end of the first member.