Quick Connector Prestressing Clip for Low-Force Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connection systems for fluid flow, particularly in automotive applications, require significant operator force for assembly and lack ergonomic efficiency, often necessitating additional tools that complicate the process.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical quick connection system with a removable prestressing part that preconditions the U-shaped locking clip, allowing it to automatically transition from a prestressed to a resting configuration during assembly, reducing the operator's thrust force required and eliminating the need for additional tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operator pushes the male end piece into the female end piece to separate the clip arms, then the connection is locked, but the operator must supply 100% of the mounting force which is not ergonomic
Solution Approach 1:
The prestressing part is applied to the clip before assembly to pre-separate the arms and store elastic energy. This preliminary action reduces the force needed during actual assembly, as the clip is already partially deformed and ready to engage with the male end piece.
Solution Approach 2:
The prestressing part automatically releases during the assembly process, allowing the clip to self-adjust and engage without requiring additional operator force. The stored elastic energy in the prestressed clip contributes to the locking action, making the system partially self-servicing.
2Force
If a tool is used to reduce the thrust force during assembly, then the operator force is reduced, but the assembling operation is complicated by additional manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The prestressing part is a simple, inexpensive, disposable component that is applied to the clip before assembly and then removed after use. It provides the force-reduction benefit temporarily during assembly but is discarded afterward, avoiding permanent complexity in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The function of force application is extracted from the main assembly operation and performed by a separate, temporary prestressing part. This separates the force-application function from the locking function, allowing each to be optimized independently.
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 system significantly reduces the operator's assembly force while maintaining auditory feedback for connection verification, enabling simpler and more efficient assembly without additional manipulations.
Implementation Method 1
the arms of the clip are separated (elastic deformation) by the thrust exerted by the male end piece on said arms
Data Source
AI summary
A system for quick connection between a female end piece provided with a U-shaped locking clip and a male end piece fitted therein, the wall of the female end piece having opposite slits through which the arms of the U-shaped locking clip protrude into the passage of the end piece and the wall of the male end piece having an outer groove lockably receiving the clip arms in a final fitted state of the male piece in the female piece, locked by the clip. Also included is a part forming a removable prestressing element for the clip with housing sites engaging the two free sections in a first resting configuration, and in at least a second prestressed configuration in which the arms are more separated than in the resting configuration but less than during the passage of the maximum outer section of the male end piece.