Plastic Quick Connector Layout for Shorter, Leak-Safe Fluid Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional quick connectors are heavy and costly due to their metal composition, have a long axial extension, and present multiple potential leakage positions, which are undesirable for space-saving and efficient fluid connection systems.
Innovation Solution
A quick connector with a tubular retaining means made of polymer-based plastics, featuring first and second flexing members at circumferentially spaced portions, which reduces the axial dimension and simplifies the construction, along with a single sealing position to minimize leakage risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional metal connectors are used, then strength and durability are improved, but weight and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to plastics, transforming the connector from a heavy metal component to a lightweight plastic component while maintaining functional requirements through optimized geometric design and structural features
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs plastics as a composite material alternative to traditional metals, achieving a balance between strength requirements and weight reduction through material selection and structural design
2Reliability
If threaded portion with O-ring sealing is used, then connection reliability is improved, but number of leakage positions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the threaded portion and associated O-ring sealing system from the connector design, replacing it with a simplified pressing engagement mechanism that reduces the number of potential leakage positions while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using threaded engagement with sealing rings, the patent inverts the connection approach by using direct pressing engagement of the retaining member with the container, eliminating the need for traditional sealing mechanisms
3Ease of operation
If first and second tongue portions surrounded by radial cut out are used, then snapping engagement is achieved, but constructional complexity and damage susceptibility increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the first and second tongue portions with the main body of the retaining member through integral formation, eliminating the need for separate radial cut-outs and small axial webs, thereby simplifying the construction and reducing damage susceptibility while maintaining snapping engagement functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the retaining member into functional zones (first tongue portion for male part engagement, second tongue portion for female part engagement, axial web for flexibility) that are integrally formed, achieving simplified construction with reduced complexity
4Ease of operation
If axially spaced first and second tongue portions are used, then snapping engagement with both parts is achieved, but axial extension length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the first and second tongue portions at circumferentially spaced portions rather than axially spaced portions, changing the spatial arrangement from axial distribution to circumferential distribution, thereby reducing axial extension while maintaining engagement capability with both male and female parts
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 solution achieves a significant reduction in weight and production costs, minimizes axial extension, and reduces the number of potential leakage positions, resulting in a more efficient, cost-effective, and space-saving fluid connection system.
Implementation Method 1
first and second flexing members (12, 22) for snapping engagement with a male part (50) and a female part (40), respectively... Axial slits (15) are formed between the alternately arranged first and second flexing members (12, 22) to increase their elastic deformability
Data Source
Figure 1A~3B
Figure 4A~5B
Figure 6A~7B
AI summary
The present invention provides a quick connector made of plastics material for establishing a snapping connection between a tubular male part (50) and female part (40) of a fluid connection system. The connector has retaining means (10) adapted to be set within the mouth portion (41) of the female part (40) and having first and second flexing members (12, 22) for snapping engagement with the male part (50) and the female part (40), respectively. The first and second flexing members (12, 22) are provided at circumferentially spaced portions of the retaining means (10) so that the overall axial dimensioning of the retaining means (10) is reduced.