Pipe Connector Retainer Layout to Protect O-Ring Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing pipe connector design, where the retainer is attached from an intersection direction that intersects the pipe insertion direction, can cause the restricting portion to abut against a protruding O-ring, leading to potential malfunction and increased complexity in attachment, as the attachment operation requires checking the O-ring protrusion.
Innovation Solution
A pipe connector design where the restricting member is attached to the housing from the outer radial direction of the pipe, with a restricting portion that bends away from the insertion direction when pressed and elastically returns to restrict the O-ring movement, allowing for a simple attachment operation without malfunction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the retainer is attached from an intersection direction that intersects the pipe insertion direction, then the restricting portion can engage with the pipe spool to inhibit pipe movement, but the restricting portion may abut against the protruding O-ring causing malfunction and increasing attachment complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the attachment direction of the retainer from the intersection direction (perpendicular to pipe insertion) to the radial direction (parallel to pipe insertion). This inversion allows the restricting portion to approach the O-ring from the pipe insertion side, preventing abutment against protruding O-ring while maintaining the restricting function. The retainer is now attached from the same direction as pipe insertion, fundamentally changing the geometric relationship between components.
Solution Approach 2:
The restricting portion is designed with elastic deformation capability, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. When the retainer is pressed from the radial direction, the restricting portion elastically deforms to accommodate the O-ring's position, then returns to its original shape to exert restricting force. This dynamic behavior prevents harmful contact with protruding O-ring while ensuring reliable restriction after attachment.
2Reliability
If the restricting portion is designed to restrict O-ring movement, then seal reliability is improved, but the attachment operation becomes more complex requiring simultaneous checking of O-ring protrusion
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the attachment direction to the radial direction, the patent eliminates the need for simultaneous checking of O-ring protrusion during attachment. The restricting portion approaches from the pipe insertion side, naturally avoiding contact with protruding O-ring, thus simplifying the attachment process while maintaining O-ring movement restriction functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The restricting portion is designed to automatically perform its restricting function without requiring external monitoring or adjustment. When the retainer is attached from the radial direction, the restricting portion self-adjusts through elastic deformation to accommodate the O-ring position, then automatically exerts the restricting force. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for operators to simultaneously check O-ring protrusion during attachment.
3Ease of operation
If the retainer is attached from the radial direction with an elastic restricting portion, then the attachment operation is simplified, but the restricting mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the restricting portion from rigid to elastic. This parameter change allows the restricting portion to deform during attachment from the radial direction, accommodating variations in O-ring position without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms. The elastic property simplifies the attachment operation while the restricting mechanism itself remains relatively simple in structure.
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
This design enables a straightforward attachment of the restricting member to the housing while preventing O-ring malfunction, ensuring a stable seal and easy operation by allowing the restricting member to bend away from the O-ring during attachment, thus simplifying the attachment process and maintaining seal quality.
Implementation Method 1
the restricting portion bends towards an opposite side from an insertion direction of the pipe when the restricting member is pressed from the outer side in the radial direction of the pipe towards an inner side in the radial direction of the pipe, and elastically returns so as to restrict movement of the at least one O-ring
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe connector includes: a housing in which an insertion hole is formed, a pipe being inserted into the insertion hole; at least one O-ring that forms a seal between an inner circumferential surface of the insertion hole and an outer circumferential surface of the pipe; a restricting member that is attached to the housing from an outer side in a radial direction of the pipe; and a restricting portion that is provided at the restricting member, wherein the restricting portion bends towards an opposite side from an insertion direction of the pipe when the restricting member is pressed from the outer side in the radial direction of the pipe towards an inner side thereof, and elastically returns so as to restrict movement of the at least one O-ring towards the opposite side from the insertion direction of the pipe when the restricting member has been attached to the housing completely.