Modular Tube Connector Head for Multi-Orientation Leak Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid piping connectors face challenges in providing a secure, leak-proof connection with tubes of multiple orientations and ensuring proper insertion, as the wire retainer can scrape the tube endform, preventing a fluid-tight seal and requiring multiple connector variants for different orientations.
Innovation Solution
A modular connector system with a receptacle and modular head that allows multiple orientations, featuring a retention clip and O-ring for sealing, and a pilot with an indicator piece to ensure secure engagement and prevent contact between the tube endform and the retainer, enabling easy alignment and secure locking in various configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple connector variants are made for different tube orientations, then proper alignment is ensured, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal connector with rotational symmetry that can accommodate tubes at multiple orientations (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) using a single connector variant. The indexing features and locking mechanisms are arranged symmetrically to function equally well in any orientation, eliminating the need for multiple specialized connector types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric indexing features within the symmetric overall structure. These asymmetric features guide proper alignment during insertion while the symmetric arrangement of multiple identical indexing positions around the connector allows it to function correctly in multiple orientations, resolving the contradiction between alignment precision and manufacturing simplicity.
2Strength
If the retainer is made of harder material than the tube or endform, then the retainer can secure the connection, but it scrapes and damages the endform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the hard wire retainer component that causes scraping damage. The locking function is replaced with molded flexible features in the connector body that provide sufficient holding force through elastic deformation rather than hard material contact, thus avoiding endform damage while maintaining connection security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter of the locking feature from hard (wire retainer) to compliant/molded material that can deform elastically. This parameter change allows the locking feature to exert sufficient retention force while conforming to the endform surface without scraping or damaging it, preserving both strength and surface integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector and a process for coupling a tube to another device is disclosed. The connector comprises a receptacle for receiving a first tube. The receptacle includes a socket and a modular head mated to said socket in one of a plurality of relative orientations. The modular head comprises an indexing member. A retention clip embraces the receptacle and has a leg positioned in a slot in the receptacle.