Plastic Quick Connector Web Structure for Shorter Snap-Fit Couplings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional quick connectors made of plastics have a complex constructional setup, are prone to damage, and have a long axial extension, which increases weight, cost, and the risk of fracture.
Innovation Solution
A quick connector design featuring first and second flexing members interconnected by transversal web portions, reducing axial extension and enhancing radial resilience, while simplifying construction and manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional quick connectors use small webs to connect tongue portions to the base, then the connector can be made, but the webs are prone to breaking after predetermined flexing operations or due to material fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple tongue portions (first and second tongue portions) that are radially spaced apart, with each tongue portion independently connected to the base portion. This segmentation distributes the mechanical stress and flexing operations across multiple separate connection points rather than concentrating them in small webs, thereby reducing the risk of fracture and improving reliability under repeated operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-plane connection structure to a three-dimensional arrangement where first and second tongue portions are positioned at different radial locations and axial positions. The base portion extends axially to provide support, creating a spatial distribution that reduces stress concentration on any single connection point, thereby improving fracture resistance.
2Ease of operation
If first and second tongue portions are provided at axially spaced portions of the connector, then snapping engagement is achieved, but the connector has a quite long axial extension
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second tongue portions are merged into a single integrated base portion structure rather than being separate components. The base portion simultaneously provides support for both tongue portions and performs the axial extension function, consolidating multiple functions into one element and reducing the overall axial length compared to having separate support structures for each tongue portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The tongue portions are designed to be flexible and dynamically adaptable during the connection process. They can flex and deform radially during insertion and engagement, allowing the connector to achieve snapping engagement with reduced axial travel distance. The dynamic flexibility compensates for the shortened axial extension.
3Ease of operation
If conventional quick connectors use a complex constructional setup with multiple tongue portions and webs, then snapping engagement is achieved, but the construction is prone to damages and manufacturing is complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements are merged into the base portion: the base portion simultaneously serves as the structural support, the hinge joint for tongue portion flexing, and the connection element to the female part. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components from multiple discrete webs and support structures to a single integrated base portion, simplifying both construction and manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The base portion is designed as a multi-functional element that performs multiple roles: providing structural support for the tongue portions, enabling flexing motion through its web connections, providing snapping engagement with the female part, and distributing mechanical loads. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized components, reducing constructional complexity.
4Ease of operation
If conventional quick connectors use multiple discrete tongue portions connected by small webs, then engagement is achieved, but the weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector components are merged into fewer integrated elements, reducing the total material quantity. The base portion consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate support structures and connection elements, directly reducing the weight of the connector while maintaining the engagement capability through the radially 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 design reduces weight and cost, simplifies construction, shortens axial extension, and improves resistance to fracture, even under long-term use and repeated operations.
Implementation Method 1
each pair of circumferentially adjacent first and second flexing members is interconnected by a web portion having a main longitudinal axis which extends directly from the first flexing member to the second flexing member... the interconnection of adjacent first and second flexing members by the transversal web portions improves the radial resilience
Data Source
AI summary
A quick connector made of plastics material for establishing a snapping connection between a tubular male part (50) and a female part (40; 40A) of a fluid connection system. The connector has a retainer (10) adapted to be set within the mouth portion (41; 41A) of the female part (40; 40A) and having first and second flexing members (11, 12) for snapping engagement with the male part (50) and the female part (40; 40A), respectively. Each pair of circumferentially adjacent first and second flexing members (11, 12) is cross-connected by a transversal web portion (13) having a main longitudinal axis (L) which extends directly from the first flexing member (11) to the second flexing member (12).