Snap-Fit Male Fluid Connector Ring for Reliable Ball Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing male fluid connection elements with automatic locking during coupling face complexity in mounting and risk of failure due to the need for metallic materials and securing methods like welding or crimping, which complicates production and increases the risk of failure under stress.
Innovation Solution
A male fluid connection element design featuring a ring with an elastically deformable end portion and internal teeth that engage with external grooves on the crown, simplifying mounting through snap-fastening and reducing stress on the ring, allowing for a polymer plastic material usage and improved reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metallic ring is used to withstand forces from locking balls, then the strength and reliability of the male connection element is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases due to welding or screwing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is designed with an elastically deformable end portion that can temporarily change its dimensional parameters during mounting. The longitudinal slot creates a flexible structure that can be compressed radially inward to reduce its internal diameter, allowing it to be mounted over the crown without requiring complex securing operations. After mounting, the elastic portion returns to its original shape, creating a secure fit.
2Strength
If a metallic ring with welding or crimping is used to secure locking balls, then the strength of the connection is improved, but the risk of failure under stress increases due to potential failure points at joining locations
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is segmented by the longitudinal slot that divides the elastically deformable end portion. This segmentation allows the ring to flex and deform elastically during mounting and operation, distributing stresses more evenly throughout the structure rather than concentrating them at rigid joining points. The slot acts as a stress relief feature that prevents crack propagation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a metallic ring is secured to the crown by welding or screwing, then the firmness of the ring attachment is improved, but the production time and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ring performs its own mounting operation through elastic deformation. The elastically deformable end portion with the longitudinal slot allows the ring to be compressed radially inward, slipped over the crown, and then automatically returns to its original shape to secure itself firmly in place. This self-mounting mechanism eliminates the need for separate welding or screwing operations, significantly reducing production time and complexity.
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
Simplifies the mounting process, enhances reliability by avoiding complex securing methods, and reduces the risk of failure by distributing forces and using a more cost-effective material, while maintaining the strength and compactness of the male connecting element.
Implementation Method 1
The end portion of the ring is capable of elastically deforming radially to the longitudinal axis, to allow the internal tooth to move between a position released from the external groove and the position engaged in the external groove.
Data Source
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AI summary
A male fluidic fitting element (10) comprises a male body (12) including a tubular extension (20) and a ring (22) fixed around the tubular extension and having at least one radial recess opening onto an inner face (44) and an outer face of the ring (22). The male element includes a one-piece ring (16) mounted around the ring, and for each radial recess, a locking element (14) movable between an inner and an outer position, the outward movement of which is limited by the ring. Each radial recess is delimited by an inner wall (52) belonging to the ring extending around a radial central axis of the radial recess. The ring has at least one longitudinal slot, which passes radially through the ring, and includes an elastically deformable end portion (112).A free end of the end portion includes at least one internal tooth which is engaged in an external groove, hollowed out in the crown.