Quick Connect Fluid Coupling Clip Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional quick connectors for fluid couplings are difficult to assemble and disassemble, especially in confined spaces like under a cabinet, often leading to over-tightened threaded connections, leaks, and challenges with repair or replacement due to complex alignment requirements.
Innovation Solution
A quick connect system featuring a clip with a 'C' shaped base, axially extending wings, and delta-shaped lugs that can resiliently deflect, along with a fitting and receiver design that allows for easy installation and secure retention, facilitating alignment and sealing without requiring precise manual alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded connections are used for connecting water lines, then the connection can be secure, but the connection becomes difficult to assemble and disassemble, especially in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate components: a fitting with external threads, a receiver with internal threads, and a clip mechanism. This segmentation allows the threaded connection to be pre-assembled securely while the clip provides a separate, easy-to-operate locking mechanism that can be engaged and disengaged without threading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip acts as an intermediary mechanism between the fitting and receiver. It provides a simple lever-based locking system that secures the threaded connection without requiring direct manual threading or unthreading operations, making assembly and disassembly easier in confined spaces.
2Ease of operation
If conventional quick connectors are used, then assembly is easier, but they require proper alignment and actuation of small elements which is difficult to do under a cabinet
Solution Approach 1:
The clip mechanism transforms the alignment problem from a precise rotational alignment task to a simpler dimensional insertion task. The lever arm provides mechanical advantage and guides the fitting into the receiver along a predetermined path, eliminating the need for precise alignment of small elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip's lever mechanism automatically guides and aligns the fitting with the receiver during insertion. The mechanical design self-corrects alignment deviations, allowing easy assembly without requiring the user to precisely align small elements manually.
3Ease of operation
If conventional quick connectors are used, then assembly is simpler, but they are difficult to disassemble which makes repair or replacement difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The clip mechanism transitions from a static locked position to a dynamic unlocked position through lever action. The lever can be easily actuated to release the locking mechanism, allowing simple disassembly for repair or replacement while maintaining secure connection during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip design allows for easy release and potential reuse of the connection components. The lever mechanism enables simple disengagement without damaging the fitting or receiver, facilitating repair and replacement operations.
4Reliability
If threaded connections are over-tightened to ensure security, then the connection is more secure, but it leads to leaks via over-compression of o-ring or cracking of fitting
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded fitting and receiver are pre-assembled with appropriate torque to create a secure baseline connection. The clip mechanism then provides additional security through mechanical locking without requiring further tightening that could cause over-compression or cracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip acts as an intermediary locking mechanism that provides connection security without transmitting excessive compressive forces to the o-ring or fitting. It distributes and controls the locking forces, preventing the harmful effects of over-tightening while maintaining secure connection.
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 system enables easy and secure connection and disconnection of fluid conduits, preventing leaks and simplifying maintenance by allowing for intuitive assembly and disassembly, even in tight spaces, while ensuring a reliable seal.
Implementation Method 1
a first wing extending substantially axially from the base, and a second wing extending substantially axially from the base diametrically opposite the first wing, wherein the clip is configured such that the first wing and the second wing can resiliently deflect towards one another
Implementation Method 2
the guide is configured to rotationally urge the first lug toward the aperture as the clip is moved from an uninstalled position to the installed position
Implementation Method 3
the fitting defines a second annular groove between the first groove and the first end; and the system may include a seal seated in the second groove, wherein, when the clip is in the installed position, the seal seals between the fitting and the sidewall
Data Source
AI summary
A quick connect system for a fluid coupling is provided. The system includes a clip having a base extending circumferentially substantially around an axis, a wing extending substantially axially from the base, and a delta-shaped lug extending radially from the wing.