Fluidic Connector Pin Assembly With Lower Engagement Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current fluidic connectors require high manual force to assemble male and female fittings due to the need for the branches of the U-shaped pin to move from a fully spaced apart to a fully close together configuration, making assembly difficult for operators.
Innovation Solution
The pin is pre-stressed to an intermediate configuration, allowing it to be mounted on the female fitting with reduced force, and the male fitting cooperates with the pin to move it to an operative position, reducing the assembly force required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pin branches are forced to move from fully spaced apart to fully close together configuration during assembly, then the axial retention capacity is improved, but the assembly force required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The pin is pre-assembled in a semi-assembled state where the branches are partially spaced apart (intermediate configuration) but not fully separated. This preliminary positioning allows the male fitting to guide the branches into the gorge during final assembly, reducing the force needed compared to forcing fully separated branches into place
Solution Approach 2:
The pin is designed with elastic deformability, allowing its branches to dynamically adjust their spacing during assembly. The branches can elastically deform to pass through the gorge and then return to their locked position, enabling a dynamic assembly process rather than requiring static high force
2Ease of operation
If the pin is mounted in a fully spaced apart configuration, then the male fitting can be easily removed, but the assembly force required to engage the fittings increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pin is pre-positioned in an intermediate configuration that is partially spaced apart, providing a compromise state that reduces assembly force while still allowing disassembly. This preliminary positioning avoids the need for full spacing during assembly
3Ease of manufacture
If the branches are held spaced apart by the female fitting, then the pin can be easily mounted, but the axial retention capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pin transitions dynamically from a spaced apart configuration during mounting to a close together configuration during operation. The elastic deformability allows the branches to move from the easy-to-mount spaced position to the high-retention close position once the male fitting is engaged
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
Easier assembly of fluidic connectors by lowering the force needed to engage the male and female fittings, improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The passage from the spaced apart position to the close together position of the branches of the pin is preferably carried out automatically by elastic return of these branches
Data Source
AI summary
A fluidic connector includes a female tubular fitting, a male tubular fitting, and a generally U-shaped metal pin mounted astride the female fitting. The pin is axially movable on the female fitting from an inoperative position in which branches of the pin are held spaced apart by the female fitting, to an operative position in which portions of the branches are located at the level of at least one slit of the female fitting and are able to pass through the slit by elastic return. The male fitting includes a part configured to be engaged in the female fitting and to cooperate directly with the branches of the pin move the male fitting from its inoperative position to its operative position.