Pipe Joint Retainer Structure to Prevent O-Ring Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing pipe connectors, the retainer attached from an intersection direction can abut against a protruding O-ring, leading to potential malfunction and increased complexity in attachment, as the restricting portion may contact the O-ring, requiring additional checks during attachment.
Innovation Solution
A pipe connector design where a restricting member is attached to the housing from a radial direction, featuring a restricting portion that bends away from the O-ring during attachment, ensuring the O-ring is not contacted and allowing for simple attachment by pressing the member inward, with an elastic return to restrict O-ring movement once attached.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the retainer is attached from an intersection direction to restrict O-ring movement, then the O-ring can be restricted effectively, but the restricting portion may abut against the protruding O-ring causing malfunction and increasing attachment complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The restricting member is attached from the radial direction of the pipe rather than from the intersection direction, reversing the attachment approach to avoid contact with the O-ring during attachment while still achieving effective restriction
Solution Approach 2:
The restricting portion is designed to be flexible and deformable, allowing it to bend during attachment from the radial direction without contacting the O-ring, and then return to its original shape to effectively restrict the O-ring movement
2Reliability
If the restricting portion is designed to restrict O-ring movement, then sealing reliability improves, but the attachment process becomes more complex requiring simultaneous checks
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of attaching the restricting member from the intersection direction where it might contact the O-ring, the attachment is performed from the radial direction, simplifying the attachment process to a single pressing operation without requiring additional checks
Solution Approach 2:
The restricting portion automatically adjusts its position through elastic deformation during attachment and self-positions to restrict the O-ring without requiring external monitoring or adjustment, eliminating the need for simultaneous checks during attachment
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 simplifies the attachment process by preventing O-ring malfunction and ensuring a stable seal, allowing for effective restriction of O-ring movement without contacting the O-ring during attachment, while maintaining a high-quality seal between the housing and pipe.
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
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AI summary
A pipe connector includes: a housing in which an insertion hole is formed, a pipe having an annular spool being inserted into the insertion hole; at least one O-ring that is disposed inside the insertion hole, and 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 in the radial direction of the pipe, 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.