Quick Connector Retainer Structure for Compact Pipe Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connectors face challenges in reducing size, as the integrated connector housing and retainer are formed from the same material, making it difficult to use different materials for distinct functions, and require operational movement to prevent pipe removal, which increases complexity and size.
Innovation Solution
A quick connector design where the connector main body and retainer are formed separately, allowing the retainer to be movable in a direction intersecting the axial direction, enabling the pipe to be locked without operational movement, and allowing different materials to be used for the main body and retainer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the connector housing and retainer are integrated and formed from the same material, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but it becomes difficult to use different materials for distinct functions and the device size cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate components: the connector housing and the retainer. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the housing can be formed from a material suitable for structural support while the retainer can be formed from a material optimized for elastic deformation and locking functionality. The separate formation also enables compact integration of both components, reducing overall connector size while maintaining distinct functional optimization.
2Reliability
If the retainer is moved from initial position to confirmation position to prevent pipe removal, then reliable locking is achieved, but an operational movement is required which increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is designed to automatically perform the locking function without requiring operational movement. When the pipe is inserted, the retainer self-activates through elastic deformation, causing the leg parts to expand and lock the annular protrusion in place. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual operation while ensuring reliable pipe prevention from removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer is pre-configured in a compressed state within the connector housing, with its leg parts positioned to automatically expand upon pipe insertion. This preliminary preparation allows the locking action to occur automatically as soon as the pipe is inserted, without requiring any additional operational steps from the user.
3Ease of manufacture
If the retainer is inserted from the opening side in axial direction, then mounting is simplified, but the shaft length of connector main body becomes long
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer mounting approach is changed from axial insertion to radial or lateral insertion. The retainer is inserted into the connector housing from the side rather than from the opening end in the axial direction. This dimensional change in the insertion path allows the retainer to be mounted without extending the axial shaft length of the connector main body, while still enabling straightforward mounting access.
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
This design reduces the size of the quick connector, allows for the use of different materials for the main body and retainer, and prevents pipe removal without requiring retainer movement, enhancing mountability and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the first leg part is expanded and deformed by a pressing force on the tapered surface in the axial direction by the annular protrusion, and the annular protrusion of the pipe is allowed to pass through the first leg part in an insertion direction by expansion and deformation of the first leg part
Implementation Method 2
a tapered surface which is formed on a surface on which the pipe is inserted and is allowed to come into contact with the annular protrusion when the pipe is inserted into the connector main body
Data Source
AI summary
When a pipe is inserted into a connector main body of a quick connector, first leg parts of a retainer are deformed and expanded by pressing force in the axial direction on tapered surfaces of the first leg parts caused by an annular protrusion of the pipe, and the annular protrusion of the pipe can pass through the first leg parts in the insertion direction. When the pipe releases from the normal position, the retainer moves in a prescribed direction from a standard position, the first leg parts make contact with a first guide of the connector main body, and the first leg parts are deformed so as to expand, and due to the deformation and expansion of the first leg parts the annular protrusion of the pipe can pass through the first leg parts in the release direction.