Quick Connect Structure Fatigue Failure Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing quick connect structures in medical devices are prone to failure due to fatigue, leading to irreparable deformation of the flexible connecting portion and subsequent failure of the snap fit, requiring the replacement of the entire plug as a whole.
Innovation Solution
A quick connect structure comprising a socket and a plug assembly with a fixing member, a moving member, and an elastic member, where the moving member engages or disengages from the socket, and the elastic member resets the position of the moving member relative to the fixing member, reducing the likelihood of failure due to fatigue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the press plate, flexible connecting portion, and snap hook are integrally formed through plastic injection molding, then the manufacturing process is simple and cost-effective, but the flexible connecting portion is prone to irreparable deformation due to fatigue after repeated disassembly and assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is divided into three separate components: the press plate, the flexible connecting portion, and the snap hook. This segmentation allows each component to be independently replaced if damaged, eliminating the need to replace the entire plug assembly and thereby improving reliability while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through separate production of each part.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention allows for the selective replacement of only the damaged component (press plate, flexible connecting portion, or snap hook) while retaining the other components. This partial replacement approach recovers functional capability without discarding the entire assembly, reducing waste and maintenance costs while ensuring reliable operation.
2Ease of operation
If the snap hook and snap groove are designed for repeated engagement and disengagement, then the quick connect structure provides operational flexibility, but the flexible connecting portion accumulates fatigue and fails after multiple cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a movable press plate that can be dynamically actuated to engage and disengage the snap hook from the snap groove. This dynamic design enables repeated quick connection and disconnection operations while the modular structure allows the flexible connecting portion to be replaced independently when it reaches its fatigue limit, thus maintaining both operational flexibility and extended service life.
3Reliability
If the entire plug is replaced when the snap fit fails, then the reliability is restored, but the cost and time for maintenance increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the plug into replaceable components (press plate, flexible connecting portion, snap hook), the invention enables targeted replacement of only the failed component rather than the entire plug. This significantly reduces maintenance time and resource consumption while restoring snap fit functionality, directly addressing the contradiction between reliability restoration and maintenance efficiency.
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 proposed quick connect structure enhances the reliability and durability by reducing the risk of fatigue-related failures, allowing for repeated engagement and disengagement without the need for complete replacement of the plug assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic member is configured to reset the position of the moving member relative to the fixing member
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a quick connect structure. The quick connect structure includes a socket and a plug assembly. The plug assembly is inserted into the socket. The plug assembly includes a fixing member, a moving member, and an elastic member. The fixing member is connected to the moving member. The fixing member is inserted into and mates with the socket. The moving member is configured to engage with or disengage from the socket after moving relative to the fixing member. The elastic member is configured to reset the position of the moving member relative to the fixing member.