Plastic Quick Connector Layout for Shorter Fluid Couplings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional metal quick connectors are heavy, costly, have a long axial extension, and multiple potential leakage points, while plastic connectors face complexity and damage-prone designs with long axial extensions and complex constructions.
Innovation Solution
A quick connector made of polymer-based plastics with flexing members at circumferentially spaced portions, featuring axial slits for enhanced elasticity, and a single sealing position, integrated with a plug for secure handling and assembly, reducing axial dimension and simplifying construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional metal connectors are used, then connection strength and durability are improved, but weight and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional metal connectors with disposable plastic connectors that have a limited service life. The connector is designed to be economical and lightweight, accepting that it will degrade over time (e.g., becoming brittle after 10-20 years) and require replacement, rather than designing for indefinite durability like traditional metal connectors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to plastic, fundamentally altering the weight, cost, and durability characteristics of the connector. This material substitution enables the connector to achieve lightweight and economical goals while maintaining adequate connection strength for the intended service life
2Reliability
If threaded portions with multiple O-rings are used, then sealing reliability is improved, but the number of leakage positions and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the threaded portion from the connector design, replacing it with a simple push-fit insertion mechanism. This removes the complexity associated with threading while maintaining the sealing function through a single O-ring at the insertion interface
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the insertion and sealing functions into a single integrated action. The connector is inserted directly into the female part where a single O-ring provides sealing, combining what were previously separate functions (threaded connection plus multiple seals) into one simplified operation
3Strength
If first and second tongue portions at axially spaced portions are used, then snapping engagement with both male and female parts is achieved, but axial extension increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the engagement with the female part (retaining means) and the male part (snapping engagement) into a single integrated connector body. The connector is inserted into the female part and then the male part is pushed through, with both engagements occurring within the same axial space rather than requiring axially spaced tongue portions
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 reduced weight and cost, simplified construction, minimized axial extension, and a single leakage point, enhancing durability and ease of handling in fluid connection systems.
Implementation Method 1
first and second flexing members (12, 22) for snapping engagement with the male part (50) and the female part (40), respectively
Implementation Method 2
Axial slits are formed between the alternately arranged first and second flexing members to increase their elastic deformability
Data Source
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.(FIG. 1)