Quick Connector Double-Seal Groove for Lower Assembly Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connectors require excessive assembly force and lack adequate sealing when multiple seals are necessary, and existing solutions fail to efficiently accommodate different materials and conditions for diverse applications.
Innovation Solution
A quick connector design featuring a tubular body with a 3D internal annular groove and a spacer between two seals, allowing for reduced assembly force through progressive compression and enabling the use of seals of different materials or diameters to adapt to various chemical and thermal resistance requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a single sealing sleeve is used, then the assembly force is reduced, but the sealing reliability becomes insufficient for applications requiring multiple seals
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is segmented into multiple independent sealing gaskets (at least two) positioned at different locations within the connector body. Each gasket provides independent sealing, so if one fails, the other maintains sealing reliability. This segmentation allows the use of multiple seals without requiring excessive assembly force, as each seal can be optimized individually.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sealing gaskets can be made from different materials or have different properties tailored to specific local requirements. For example, one gasket may use a material resistant to chemical corrosion while another uses a material resistant to thermal degradation. This local quality optimization ensures each seal performs its specific function effectively while maintaining overall system reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple seals are assembled, then the sealing reliability improves, but the assembly force required increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body incorporates a three-dimensional base structure with varying depth zones that accommodate multiple sealing gaskets at different positions. This dimensional approach allows seals to be distributed along the insertion axis rather than stacked in a single plane, enabling progressive compression during assembly. The male element compresses each seal sequentially as it advances, reducing the peak assembly force required compared to simultaneous compression of multiple seals.
Solution Approach 2:
A spacer element is introduced as an intermediary component between the sealing gaskets. This spacer maintains appropriate spacing and positioning between the seals during assembly, ensuring each seal is compressed to the correct degree. The spacer acts as a mediator that distributes the assembly force evenly across multiple seals, preventing any single seal from requiring excessive compression force.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard components are used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced and mass production is facilitated, but the adaptability to diverse chemical and thermal conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body and sealing gasket assembly is designed as a universal system that can accommodate different types of seals with varying material properties. The standardized connector geometry and modular gasket design allow the same basic structure to be used across diverse applications, while the material selection of individual gaskets can be customized to meet specific chemical and thermal requirements. This universality enables mass production of the connector body while allowing flexibility in seal material selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for parameter changes in the sealing gaskets, particularly in material composition and cross-sectional dimensions, while maintaining the same overall connector structure. Different gasket materials (e.g., nitrile rubber for chemical resistance, fluorocarbon for thermal resistance) can be substituted based on application requirements. This parameter flexibility enables adaptation to diverse conditions without requiring complete redesign of the connector, thus maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized geometry.
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 assembly force, ensures reliable sealing with a double seal barrier, and accommodates diverse applications by using seals with different materials, suitable for extreme conditions such as fuel or cooling systems, while allowing for standard components and mass production.
Implementation Method 1
the spacer deforms according to the profile of the internal shoulder during step (ii)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a quick connector (100) comprising: - a tubular connector body (10) defining an insertion axis and having a sealing zone (20) in the form of an internal annular groove for receiving a male element; - an axial retaining element (50); - the internal annular groove having a bottom (22) and a side wall (24) which are defined by an internal shoulder of the main tubular connector body (10); - the internal shoulder (25) is not contained in a transverse plane, perpendicular to the insertion axis; - the connector (100) has, between the axial retaining element (50) and the bottom (22), at least two sealing gaskets (40, 80) and a spacer (60) located between the gaskets (40, 80).