Quick Connector Locking Subassembly for Stable Hose Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connectors suffer from instability and unreliability in their locking mechanisms, and the assembly process is complex due to multiple parts.
Innovation Solution
A quick connector with a locking mechanism featuring snap hooks and a spring-loaded sleeve, where the spring elements and coupling ring are manufactured using two-component or multi-component injection molding, allowing for different materials and improved material properties for specific tasks, and snap hooks are integrally formed with the coupling ring for enhanced stability and ease of assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional locking mechanisms with multiple parts are used, then the connector can be assembled, but the assembly effort is high and the locking mechanism shows deficiencies in stability and reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (spring elements, coupling ring, and locking elements) into a single integrally formed locking subassembly using two-component or multi-component injection molding. This merging of parts reduces assembly complexity while maintaining the functional integrity and reliability of the locking mechanism through monolithic construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs two-component or multi-component injection molding to create a locking subassembly with different materials optimized for specific functions. The first material forms the coupling ring and basic structure, while the second material creates the spring elements and locking features, allowing each component to have tailored material properties for optimal performance and reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate parts are used for the locking mechanism, then manufacturing flexibility is available, but the assembling effort is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the manufacturing process by using two-component or multi-component injection molding to create the entire locking subassembly in a single manufacturing operation. This eliminates the need for separate manufacturing and assembly steps for individual components, significantly reducing assembling effort while maintaining manufacturing flexibility through material and design choices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-forming the spring elements, coupling ring, and locking features as an integrated unit during the injection molding process. This preliminary formation of the complete locking subassembly eliminates subsequent assembly operations, reducing assembling effort while preserving manufacturing flexibility in the molding process itself.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different materials are used for different components, then material properties can be optimized for specific tasks, but the number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent directly applies composite materials through two-component or multi-component injection molding, where different materials are molded together in a single process to create the locking subassembly. This allows material property optimization for specific tasks (spring elements for elasticity, coupling ring for structural integrity) without increasing the number of separate components, as both materials form one integrated part.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different materials to specific regions of the locking subassembly based on functional requirements. The spring elements receive material with high elasticity, while the coupling ring receives material with high strength and rigidity, optimizing material properties for specific tasks within a single integrated component rather than across multiple parts.
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 solution provides a cost-effective and reliable locking mechanism with improved stability and reduced assembly complexity, utilizing polymers with tailored properties for each component to enhance the connector's performance.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded sleeve movably mounted at the connector main body. Two or more spring elements are provided which are coupled by means of a coupling ring
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a quick connector for coupling a hose at a male coupling element comprising a connector main body (2) with a hose receiving portion (2.1), a receiving area (2.2) adapted to receive a portion of said male coupling element and a locking mechanism (3) adapted to lock the male coupling element at the quick connector in a position in which said male coupling element is partially inserted in said receiving area (2.2), wherein said locking mechanism (3) comprises two or more snap hooks (4) adapted to interact with the male coupling element in order to lock the male coupling element in the inserted state and a spring-loaded sleeve (3.1) movably mounted at the connect- or main body (2), wherein two or more spring elements (6) are provided which are coupled by means of a coupling ring (5), wherein said two or more spring elements (6) and the coupling ring (5) are integrally formed at a locking subassembly (3.2) which is formed by two-component or multi-component injection moulding element.