Pipe Joint Retaining Ring Structure for Low-Protrusion Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe joint structures with elastic arms extending along the axial direction face challenges in reducing the protrusion height due to the required length for bending, making it difficult to minimize the height of the pipe joint from the connection target object.
Innovation Solution
A pipe joint connection structure featuring a tubular connection port, an insertion target portion, a seal member, a retaining portion with an opening, and a holding member with a partially cut annular shape that reduces in diameter to secure the connection, allowing for a shorter protrusion height by being hooked onto an edge portion of the opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If elastic arms extend along the axial direction to enable claw portion movement, then the pipe joint can be connected and disconnected, but the protrusion height increases due to the required length for bending
Solution Approach 1:
The holding member transitions from an axial arrangement (elastic arms extending along the axial direction) to a radial arrangement (partially cut annular shape surrounding the insertion target portion). This dimensional change allows the holding member to engage with the connection port through radial contraction rather than requiring axial length for bending, thereby reducing protrusion height while maintaining connection functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The holding member is designed as a flexible annular structure with a partially cut cross-section, allowing it to contract radially inward to pass through the connection port and then expand to engage with the retaining portion. This flexible shell approach replaces the rigid elastic arm structure, enabling connection functionality with reduced axial protrusion
2Reliability
If the elastic arm length is secured to enable bending movement, then the claw portion can be hooked on the retaining portion, but it becomes difficult to reduce the protrusion height of the pipe joint
Solution Approach 1:
The holding member engages with the connection port through radial contraction and expansion rather than axial bending. The partially cut annular shape allows radial dimension changes while maintaining structural integrity, providing reliable connection security without requiring the axial length that would increase protrusion height
Solution Approach 2:
The holding member dynamically changes its diameter through radial contraction during insertion and radial expansion during engagement. This dynamic behavior in the radial direction replaces the static elastic arm structure, ensuring reliable connection while minimizing axial protrusion
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 structure effectively reduces the protrusion height of the pipe joint from the connection target object by minimizing the axial length of the insertion target portion and connection port, while maintaining a secure connection and reducing insertion resistance.
Implementation Method 1
a holding member that has a partially cut annular shape, is mounted at an outer periphery of the insertion target portion in a diameter-reducible state, abuts a first edge portion of the opening and is reduced in diameter in a case in which the insertion target portion is passed through the opening, and holds a connection state between the insertion target portion and the connection port by being restored
Data Source
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AI summary
A pipe joint connection structure is a connection structure for connecting a pipe joint to a connection target object having an internal flow path. The connection structure includes: a connection port that has a tubular shape and protrudes from a front surface of the connection target object; an insertion target portion that has a tubular shape and is provided at the pipe joint, and into which the connection port is inserted; a seal member that is disposed in the insertion target portion and seals a space between the connection port and the insertion target portion; a retaining portion that is provided at the front surface of the connection target object and has an opening at an inner side of which the connection port is disposed; and a holding member that has a partially cut annular shape, is mounted at an outer periphery of the insertion target portion in a diameter-reducible state, abuts a first edge portion of the opening and is reduced in diameter in a case in which the insertion target portion is passed through the opening, and holds a connection state between the insertion target portion and the connection port by being restored in a case in which the connection port is inserted into the insertion target portion and being hooked on a second edge portion of the opening at an opposite side from the first edge portion.