Quick Pipe Connector Snap-Ring Fixing Without Machined Grooves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick pipe connectors require high machining costs due to the need for complex grooves in the locking sleeve, which are difficult to form and result in increased production costs.
Innovation Solution
A quick pipe connector design featuring a plastic body with metallic locking sleeve and snap rings that form interference fits with deformation grooves and through holes, allowing for injection molding and reduced material consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex grooves are machined in the locking sleeve using lathe or milling machine, then the locking sleeve can be fixed to the body, but the machining cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical machining (lathe/milling) with an interference fit mechanism. The locking sleeve features a snap ring that creates interference fit with the body's connecting section, eliminating the need for complex grooves and high-cost machining operations while maintaining secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fixation mechanism from geometric interlocking (grooves and tongues) to dimensional interference (interference fit between snap ring and connecting section). This parameter change allows the locking sleeve to be fixed through press-fit rather than mechanical engagement, reducing machining complexity and cost.
2Reliability
If annular groove and arc-shaped grooves are concavely arranged on the hole wall face, then the locking sleeve can be fixed, but the molding process becomes difficult due to demolding issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the groove structures from the design and replaces them with a snap ring interference fit mechanism. This removes the demolding difficulties associated with concave grooves while preserving the fixation function through the interference fit between the snap ring and the connecting section.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating concave grooves to achieve fixation, the patent inverts the approach by using a protruding snap ring that creates interference fit with the body. This inversion eliminates demolding issues while maintaining secure fixation.
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 stabilizes the structure, reduces processing costs, and ensures stable fixing of the locking sleeve while simplifying the machining process.
Implementation Method 1
the snap ring is in interference fit with the connecting section; the snap ring abuts against the inner side face of the connecting section, so that the pipe wall of the connecting section at a location corresponding to the snap ring is deformed and forms a deformation groove
Implementation Method 2
Since the plastic has certain elasticity and the rigidity of the plastic is lower than that of the metallic material, when the locking sleeve made of the metallic material is fitted into the body made of plastic and the snap ring forms an interference fit with the connecting section, the locking sleeve is not deformed while the pipe wall of the connecting section of the body is deformed
Data Source
AI summary
A quick pipe connector includes a pipe-shaped body, wherein a grip ring and a locking sleeve are arranged in the body; the end of the body is provided with a connecting section corresponding to the locking sleeve; the outer side face of the locking sleeve is provided with a protruding snap ring; the body is made of plastic; the locking sleeve is made of a metallic material; the outer side face of the connecting section is provided with a through hole and corresponding to the snap ring in axial position; the snap ring is in interference fit with the connecting section; a part of the snap ring abuts against the inner side face of the connecting section, so that the pipe wall of the connecting section at that location is deformed and forms a deformation groove; the other part of the snap ring is embedded into the through hole.