Piping Connector Locking Structure for Fast Secure Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for piping in cooling systems require multiple processes for connection and disconnection, necessitate additional components like O-rings and spacers, and lack secure coupling mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring male connectors with beads and dual locking members, including first and second locking members with elastic bodies, that facilitate easy connection and secure coupling without additional components, reducing the number of processes and improving tensile performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a separate process such as swaging or thermal bonding is performed on the end of the female connector to couple the female connector and the male connector, then the connection strength is improved, but the number of processes and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking protrusion and locking groove are integrated directly into the male and female connectors respectively, eliminating the need for separate swaging or thermal bonding processes. The coupling is achieved through a single insertion motion where the locking features engage automatically, merging multiple manufacturing steps into one simple operation.
2Reliability
If an O-ring is provided on the female connector and an additional component such as a spacer or retainer is required to fix the O-ring, then the sealing performance is improved, but the number of components and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The O-ring is integrated directly into the female connector by forming it as a groove within the connector body. This eliminates the need for separate spacers or retainers to hold the O-ring in place, reducing the total component count while maintaining effective sealing through the built-in groove structure.
3Reliability
If the connector design requires multiple separate components and additional fixing components, then the sealing and structural integrity are improved, but the ease of manufacture and assembly are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The locking protrusion, locking groove, and O-ring are all integrated directly into the male and female connector bodies. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components that need to be assembled, making the manufacturing process simpler and the assembly operation more straightforward while preserving structural integrity through the built-in locking and sealing features.
4Ease of operation
If the connector uses a simple coupling mechanism without additional locking components, then the ease of operation is improved, but the secure coupling and rupture performance are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The locking protrusion and locking groove are designed to automatically engage when the male connector is inserted into the female connector. The structure performs its own locking function without requiring additional locking components or manual intervention, achieving both ease of operation and secure coupling through the self-engaging geometric features.
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 simplifies the connection and disconnection process, reduces component count, and enhances the secure coupling of female and male connectors, improving rupture and tensile performance.
Implementation Method 1
first elastic bodies protruding from a lower portion of the first locking body, provided to be in contact with an inner peripheral surface of the female connector, and configured to provide the elastic force
Implementation Method 2
second elastic bodies extending from two opposite sides of the second locking body and configured to provide elastic forces in a direction in which the second elastic bodies surround an outer peripheral surface of the female connector
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a connector for piping. A connector for piping according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a female connector, male connectors respectively coupled to two opposite sides of the female connector and having beads protruding from outer peripheral surfaces thereof, and first locking members each having one surface with which the bead engages when the first locking member moves on a chamber portion when the male connector is coupled in a state in which the first locking members are temporarily coupled to the chamber portions formed at two opposite sides of the female connector.