Indexed Quick Connect Collar for Rotation-Locked Tube Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connect assemblies for tubular members do not effectively prevent relative rotation between the collar and stem, which is desirable in certain applications, and lack a mechanism for rotational adjustment prior to secure fixation.
Innovation Solution
A quick connect assembly featuring a rotatably adjustable collar member with indexed positions, where the collar is lockable relative to the stem, utilizing a radially extending flange and locating features to prevent rotation and a retaining member with snap-fit mechanisms to secure the assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the collar member is made freely rotatable relative to the stem, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to inability to prevent inadvertent rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The collar member transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic system with multiple indexed positions. The locating features (protrusions and recesses) enable the collar to be positioned at discrete angular locations while maintaining stability at each position, combining adjustability with position lock
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining member acts as an intermediary between the collar member and stem. It provides the locking mechanism that engages with the locating features to prevent rotation while allowing the collar to be adjusted to different indexed positions when the retaining member is disengaged
2Reliability
If the collar member is positively locked to the stem, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to adjust position
Solution Approach 1:
The collar member is segmented with multiple locating features (first, second, third protrusions and corresponding recesses) that define discrete indexed positions. This segmentation allows the collar to be locked at specific angular positions while maintaining the ability to move between positions by disengaging and re-engaging the retaining member
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple locating features are added to enable indexed positioning, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple locating features are merged into the collar member and stem structure. The first, second, and third protrusions and recesses are integrated into the respective components, allowing the collar to achieve multiple indexed positions without requiring separate adjustment mechanisms for each position
Data Source
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AI summary
A quick connect assembly 10 for releasably engaging an endform 20 including a tubular stem 12, a collar member 14 and a retaining member 16. The tubular stem includes a radially extending flange 25 formed proximate to an upper end thereof. The radially extending flange 25 is formed to include a first plurality of locating features 46. The collar member 14 is carried by the tubular stem 12 and is rotatably adjustable relative to the tubular stem about a longitudinally extending axis to a plurality of indexed positions. The collar member 14 includes an inwardly extending lip proximate a lower end thereof and further including a second plurality of locating features 48. The retaining member 16 holds the radially extending flange 25 of the tubular stem 12 against the inwardly extending lip of the collar member 14. The first and second pluralities of locating features cooperate to prevent relative rotation between the collar member and the stem when the radially extending flange of the tubular stem is held against the inwardly extending lip of the collar member.