Pipe Connector Lock Member Dynamics for Stable One-Touch Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipe connectors allow significant wobbling in the insertion direction of the pipe, making connections unstable and difficult to manage, especially in applications requiring secure and simple one-touch operations.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a lock member with an urging mechanism and detection stopper that automatically transitions from a standby to a connected position upon pipe insertion, reducing wobbling by releasing the locked state and ensuring the pipe remains securely attached without manual operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the pipe is connected to the connector only by inserting the pipe into the connector, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability of the connection deteriorates due to significant wobbling in the insertion direction
Solution Approach 1:
The lock member is designed to dynamically transition between standby and connected positions automatically in response to pipe insertion. The detection stopper detects the insertion depth and triggers the lock member to move to the connected position, providing adaptive stabilization without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector performs self-locking through the automatic operation of the lock member and detection stopper mechanism. When the pipe is inserted, the detection stopper automatically activates the lock member to move to the connected position, eliminating the need for manual locking operations while ensuring stable connection.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a lock member is used to prevent the pipe from coming out, then the stability of the connection is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The detection stopper and lock member are integrated into a single movable component. The detection stopper serves dual functions: detecting pipe insertion depth and triggering the lock member's movement to the connected position, thereby reducing the number of separate components while maintaining connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock member serves multiple functions: it acts as a detection stopper for insertion depth detection, a locking mechanism for preventing pipe removal, and an automatic positioning element that transitions between standby and connected positions. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the lock member automatically moves to the connected position upon pipe insertion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase to ensure proper timing of the locking action
Solution Approach 1:
The lock member is pre-positioned in the standby position with the detection stopper configured to trigger automatic movement to the connected position when the pipe is inserted to the correct depth. This preliminary configuration ensures that the locking action occurs at the appropriate moment without requiring complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection stopper acts as an intermediary element that translates pipe insertion depth into automatic activation of the lock member. This mechanical intermediary ensures proper timing of the locking action through geometric relationships rather than requiring high-precision manufacturing tolerances.
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 connector achieves reduced wobbling in the insertion direction, enhanced stability, and simplified operation by automatically locking the pipe in place with a one-touch mechanism, improving workability and resistance to vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
an urging mechanism provided in the lock member, projecting into the opening portion, releasing a locked state of the lock member by the lock portion by being expanded outward when the flange portion abuts
Data Source
AI summary
A lock member is provided in a housing movably between a standby position and a connected position. In a state wherein the lock member is locked in the standby position, when a pipe is inserted into an opening portion of the housing, the lock member is unlocked so as to be movable into the connected position; however, a tip portion of a detection stopper abuts against a flange portion of the pipe so as to prevent the lock member from moving into the connected position. Next, when the pipe is inserted further, and the flange portion passes the position of the detection stopper, the detection stopper moves into the connected position together with the lock member.