Quick Connector Conductive Retainer for Electrostatic Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Quick connector couplings in fluid systems, particularly in vehicular fuel systems, face challenges in providing a complete conductive path for electrostatic charge dissipation due to the physical design of traditional retainers, which can lead to charge accumulation and potential system failures.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a conductive retainer with a metallic insert that provides a direct conductive path between the tube upset and the connector body, ensuring electrostatic charges are dissipated to the vehicle ground through the metal tube, using a 'horseshoe' type retainer design with conductive elements for effective charge dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional non-conductive retainer is used to connect the tube to the connector body, then the retainer provides mechanical retention and easy release, but it interrupts the conductive path and allows electrostatic charge accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is constructed as a composite structure combining a non-conductive body (molded from resilient material) with an embedded conductive element (metallic insert). This composite design allows the retainer to simultaneously provide mechanical retention functions and maintain electrostatic charge dissipation path through the conductive element that contacts both the tube upset and the connector body.
2Reliability
If the connector body is made conductive to dissipate electrostatic charges, then charge dissipation is improved, but the complexity of ensuring complete conductive path increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive element acts as an intermediary component that bridges the conductive connector body and the metallic tube. It provides a reliable conductive path through its dual contact configuration - contacting the tube upset at one end and the restraining surface at the other, ensuring continuous electrostatic charge dissipation without requiring complex internal conductive structures within the connector body itself.
3Strength
If the retainer is positioned to provide mechanical retention between the tube upset and connector body, then secure connection is achieved, but the conductive path may be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer merges two functions into a single component: mechanical retention and electrostatic charge dissipation. The conductive element is integrated into the retainer structure such that the same component that provides mechanical retention (by positioning between tube upset and connector body) also maintains the conductive path, eliminating the need for separate retention and conductive elements.
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 conductive retainer effectively directs electrostatic charges to the vehicle ground, enhancing the reliability and safety of fluid systems by preventing charge accumulation and ensuring a secure fluid connection while maintaining the ease of release and assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The conductive element is exposed for conductive contact with the tube upset and also the restraining surface on the conductive retainer body. Any electrostatic charge present within the fluid flow path of the connector body experiences a direct conductive path to the metal tube through the conductive element.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick connector coupling assembly comprising a conductive connector body, a tubular male member with an upset, and a primary retainer. The primary retainer releasably secures the male member within the connector body. The primary retainer body includes a pair of spaced legs connected by a cross member. The retainer body includes a conductive insert with contact surfaces exposed at the retainer legs to contact the male member and at the cross member to contact the connector body.