Hinged Retainer Fluid Connection for Low-Force Tube Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid connection assemblies require high insertion force and often necessitate tools for assembly, are prone to structural integrity issues due to improper retaining clip installation, and can be space inefficient, with designs failing to meet performance criteria for extreme refrigerant conditions.
Innovation Solution
A fluid connection assembly featuring a retainer with a hingedly connected section and tabs that engage a groove on the tube, allowing for quick assembly without tools and providing a stable, space-efficient connection that can be easily disassembled, using a snap-on plastic retainer with inner tabs that lock around a standard SAE tube form.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a retaining clip is used to secure the tube to the connector body, then the connection is secured, but the insertion force required becomes very large and tool assembly is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is divided into two sections (first section and second section) that can move relative to each other along the longitudinal axis. This segmentation allows the retainer to deform and accommodate the tube without requiring excessive insertion force, while still providing secure connection when locked in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer transitions from a static component to a dynamic one, allowing movement between unlocked and locked positions. The second section can move relative to the first section, enabling the retainer to flex during insertion and then lock securely, reducing the force needed while maintaining connection security.
2Reliability
If a retaining clip is used to secure the tube, then connection is achieved, but improper installation compromises structural integrity and the clip is easily lost
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is integrated with the connector body through a hinge connection, combining two previously separate components (retaining clip and connector body) into a unified assembly. This integration ensures proper installation is maintained while eliminating the risk of the small clip being lost.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge acts as an intermediary mechanism between the retainer and connector body, providing a controlled connection that guides proper installation. This intermediary structure prevents improper installation while maintaining the security of the connection.
3Reliability
If bolted flange connection is used, then secure connection is achieved, but space efficiency is reduced and tools are required
Solution Approach 1:
The bulky bolted flange structure is replaced by extracting only the essential securing function, achieved through the tab-and-aperture locking mechanism. This removes the unnecessary space-consuming elements while retaining the core security function.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer uses thin-walled plastic construction with flexible sections that can deform during assembly, replacing the rigid and space-consuming bolted flange structure. This flexible design achieves secure connection with minimal space requirement.
4Productivity
If quick connector with retaining clip is used, then assembly is faster, but joint movement increases and seal contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is pre-positioned on the connector body before tube insertion, with tabs already aligned with apertures. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the tube is inserted, the connection locks immediately without excessive joint movement or seal contamination.
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
The assembly requires low insertion force, is tool-free, and offers increased stability and protection against seal contamination, ensuring reliable and efficient fluid transfer while being serviceable and space-efficient.
Implementation Method 1
a second section hingedly connected to the first section
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A fluid connection assembly, including a connector body, including a first end, a second end, a first through-bore, and a first radially outward facing surface including at least one aperture extending from the first radially outward facing surface to the first through-bore, and a retainer operatively arranged to be removably connected to the connector body, the retainer including a first section, a second section hingedly connected to the first section, a first radially inward facing surface, and at least one tab extending from the first radially inward facing surface, the at least one tab including a second radially inward facing surface, wherein, in a locked state the at least one tab extends through the at least one aperture and the first radially inward facing surface is arranged proximate the first radially outward facing surface.