Pipe Connector Retainer Locking for Compact Reliable Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automatic locking type connectors are bulky due to the need for increased rigidity and size to prevent retainer removal, necessitating a compact design that maintains effective locking functionality.
Innovation Solution
A connector design with a retainer that includes a pair of legs with detecting claws and locking claws, guided by restricting and guide surfaces in the connector body, allowing efficient elastic energy accumulation and swift transition to a fully locked position without increasing rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the rigidity of the retainer is increased to prevent removal and ensure locking functionality, then the reliability of locking is improved, but the size of the retainer and connector body increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the locking claw and restricting surfaces to optimize the locking mechanism. By carefully designing the shape and position of the locking claw relative to the restricting surfaces, the retainer achieves reliable locking functionality with reduced size, resolving the contradiction between locking reliability and retainer volume.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the retainer is made larger to accommodate the elastic deformation mechanism, then the energy accumulation capability is improved, but the compactness of the connector is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the radial dimension for elastic deformation of the legs, allowing energy accumulation without increasing the axial length of the connector. The legs deform radially outward when the pipe is inserted, storing elastic energy that drives the locking action, thereby maintaining compactness while ensuring sufficient energy accumulation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the detecting portions are positioned closer to the fully locked position to prevent retainer removal, then the locking stability is improved, but the leg extension length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic locking mechanism where the retainer can transition between a temporary locked position and a fully locked position. The locking claw interacts with two different restricting surfaces at different stages, allowing the system to achieve stable locking without requiring excessive leg extension length. The dynamic transition enables compact design while maintaining locking stability.
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 design enables a compact connector with reliable locking and reduced energy loss, ensuring the retainer moves swiftly from a temporary to a fully locked position while maintaining structural integrity and preventing unintended movement.
Implementation Method 1
the detecting portions are pressed against the bulge of the pipe, the pair of legs elastically expand radially outward from each other. Elastic energy is accumulated in the legs that are expanded radially outward
Data Source
AI summary
A connector with a connector body and a retainer. The retainer has a pair of legs, a detecting claw on the legs to allow the legs elastically to deform radially outward when a pipe is inserted, a removal stopper to prevent the pipe from being removed from the connector body, and a locking claw protruding axially from the legs. The connector body includes a first restricting surface for restricting movement of the locking claw to hold the retainer in a temporary-locked position, and a second restricting surface for restricting movement of the locking claw from the temporary-locked position to a fully-locked position, a guide groove to allow the locking claw to move between the first and second restricting surfaces when the legs are deformed, and a guide surface to guide the locking claw toward the fully locked position when the legs are deformed further radially outward.