Guided Tube Connector Assembly for Reliable Endform Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current quick connect fluid connectors are complex to assemble and disassemble, prone to connection errors, and lack guiding components for proper orientation of the endform into a locking relation with the receptacle, which can lead to component loss.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a modular head with guiding components, such as ribs and slots, that align and secure the endform into a socket with a retainer, ensuring proper orientation and locking, while minimizing the number of separate components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If guiding components are added to the connector, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding components (ribs and slots) are integrated directly into the modular head structure, merging the guiding function with the existing connector body. This eliminates the need for separate guiding mechanisms while providing alignment guidance for the endform during insertion.
2Ease of manufacture
If the retainer is completely separate from the connector, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to component loss
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is integrated with the modular head through windows that allow the retainer to be partially received within the head. This merging approach prevents complete separation and loss of the retainer while still allowing for relatively simple manufacturing of the combined structure.
3Device complexity
If the connector design is simplified with fewer components, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding components (ribs and slots) are pre-formed as integral features of the modular head during molding. This preliminary action ensures proper alignment guidance is built into the structure itself, reducing the need for post-assembly adjustments and maintaining reliability while minimizing component count.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector and a process for coupling a tube to another device is disclosed. The connector comprises receptacle for receiving an endform formed on an end of the tube. The receptacle includes a socket mated to a modular head. A retainer embraces the receptacle and has leg portions extending into a modular head opening. Guiding components located in the modular head opening and on the endform direct the endform through the modular head opening to the socket and into a locking relationship with the retainer.