Quick Connector Lock Connection via Material Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connectors rely on external threads and O-rings, which are costly, generate excessive chips during assembly, and can be prone to thread damage, limiting their efficiency and cleanliness.
Innovation Solution
A novel quick connector design that eliminates external threads and O-rings by using a retainer clip and material displacement to form an interference joint, allowing for a more robust and cost-effective connection with reduced assembly time and improved cleanliness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external threads and O-rings are used in quick connectors, then connection reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and chip generation during assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes external threads and O-rings from the quick connector design, extracting these components entirely to eliminate their associated manufacturing costs and chip generation problems while maintaining connection reliability through alternative means
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of threading and sealing into a single interference fit mechanism, where the body and component form an integrated connection without separate threaded components or O-rings, reducing part count and manufacturing complexity
2Strength
If external threads are used in quick connectors, then connection strength is improved, but chip generation during assembly increases and cleanliness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the threading operation from the assembly process, eliminating the source of chip generation while maintaining connection strength through interference fit and material displacement mechanisms that do not produce harmful chips
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of material removal (chipping) into a beneficial material displacement process where material is forced into a recess to create a lock connection, transforming a harmful byproduct into a useful locking mechanism
3Reliability
If O-rings are used for sealing, then sealing reliability is improved, but assembly time increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines sealing and connection functions into a single interference fit operation, eliminating the need for separate O-ring installation steps and reducing assembly time while maintaining sealing reliability through the interference joint design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes O-rings from the sealing mechanism, extracting this separate component and its associated assembly steps while achieving sealing through the interference fit between the body and component
4Adaptability or versatility
If external threads are used, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the external threading system from the connector design, simplifying the overall device structure by removing complex threaded features while maintaining adaptability through the interference fit and material displacement mechanism
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 novel quick connector reduces material costs, assembly time, and minimizes chip generation, providing a stronger and more reliable connection with enhanced quality and reduced thread damage concerns.
Implementation Method 1
an interference joint between the body and the component
Implementation Method 2
A component with a bore extending from an open end. The component is formed of a material capable of forced material displacement
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
Method and apparatus for forming a quick connector with a lock connection. The quick connector includes a quick connector body and a mating component on of which having, in one aspect, an external spacing recess. The component has a step bore extending from a first end. A seal member is mounted on the step surface for sealing connection to a tubular component inserted through the quick connector body into the bore end component. Material is displaced from the component into the body or from the body into the component to mechanically lock and fluidically seal the body in the first component. In another aspect, one or more roll pins are inserted through aligned openings in the first component in the body. The roll pin expands to form an interference connection between the body and the component.