Pipe Connector Retainer With Visible Coupling Position Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connectors lack a clear visual indication of pipe coupling, making it difficult to determine if the pipe is properly connected by observing the retainer's position.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring an elastically deformable horseshoe-shaped retainer with a temporary locking mechanism, where the retainer's position changes significantly before and after coupling, allowing users to visually confirm coupling by observing the retainer's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional connector uses a retainer with minimal position change during coupling, then the coupling mechanism is simple, but it becomes difficult to determine whether the pipe is properly coupled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a visual indication mechanism where the retainer's position change serves as a visual signal. The large displacement of the retainer's second end part creates a visible difference between coupled and uncoupled states, allowing users to determine coupling status by observation without complex indicators or color changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer acts as an intermediary element that translates the internal coupling action (pipe insertion) into an external visible signal (position change). The temporary locking mechanism and subsequent release create a mediating motion that indicates the coupling status to the user.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the retainer position changes significantly during coupling, then coupling status becomes easily detectable, but the device structure becomes more complex with temporary locking portions
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is designed with dynamic characteristics, transitioning from a locked state to an unlocked state during coupling. The temporary locking portion and the elastic deformation capability enable the retainer to change its position dynamically, providing visual indication without requiring complex mechanical indicators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the retainer's position and shape. The second end part of the retainer changes its position from a temporary locking position to a restriction position, and the retainer undergoes elastic deformation. These parameter changes provide visual feedback while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the retainer uses elastic deformation to achieve position change, then coupling indication is provided, but the retainer material and design become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is designed as an elastically deformable component that can bend and change shape. This flexibility allows the retainer to undergo position changes and elastic deformation during coupling, providing visual indication without requiring complex mechanical linkages or additional indicator mechanisms.
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
Enables easy determination of pipe coupling by a large change in retainer position, ensuring secure attachment and preventing detachment of the pipe.
Implementation Method 1
a restoring force generated by elastic deformation of the retainer
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a connector body and a retainer. The connector body includes a first opening and a second opening. The retainer includes a first leg and a second leg. A second end part of the retainer is temporarily locked at a temporary locking position that is further separated from a first end part of the retainer and is displaced in an insertion direction of a first pipe relative to a restriction position, which is a position to restrict detachment of the first pipe. When the first pipe is inserted into an insertion hole, temporary locking of the second end part is released, and the second end part moves to the restriction position due to a restoring force generated by elastic deformation of the retainer.