Quick Connector Resilient Member Axial Extension Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional quick connectors have a long axial extension and multiple potential leakage positions, which are undesirable for space-saving applications and can lead to leaks.
Innovation Solution
A quick connector design without a threaded portion, utilizing a resilient member with dual functionality for snapping engagement with both the male and female parts, and a plug for handling and sealing, reducing the number of leakage positions to one.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a threaded portion is used for connection between the connector and the female part, then the connection can be securely established, but the axial extension becomes long and multiple leakage positions are created
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the threaded portion entirely from the connector design. Instead of using threads for connection, the resilient member directly engages with the female part through elastic deformation, eliminating the need for a long threaded section and thereby reducing axial extension while maintaining connection security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical threading system with an elastic engagement system. The resilient member uses elastic deformation to achieve secure connection without threads, substituting a complex mechanical threading mechanism with a simpler elastic engagement mechanism that reduces axial length.
2Reliability
If a threaded portion with multiple sealing positions is used, then connection security is improved, but the number of potential leakage positions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the first sealing position at the threaded portion by removing the threaded section entirely. The resilient member's engagement with the female part creates a single sealing interface, reducing the number of potential leakage positions from two to one while maintaining connection security through elastic engagement.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the connector is permanently connected to the female part by clinching or staking, then the first O-ring seal is eliminated, but the connector still protrudes from the female part surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes both the threaded portion and the protruding sleeve structure. The resilient member is contained within the connector body and engages with the female part internally, allowing the connector to sit flush with or recessed into the female part surface, eliminating unnecessary axial extension while maintaining the simplified sealing approach.
4Length of stationary object
If a resilient member with dual functionality is used, then the axial extension is shortened and leakage positions are reduced, but the resilient member must be stretched radially for engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a resilient member that dynamically changes its radial dimensions during engagement. The member is designed to elastically expand radially when engaging the female part, allowing it to perform dual functions (connection and sealing) without increasing axial extension. This dynamic elastic behavior enables the member to adapt its shape for proper engagement while maintaining a compact axial profile.
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 shortens axial extension, reduces leakage points, and ensures a secure, space-efficient connection with improved handling and sealing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the resilient member, when stretched in a radial direction due to snapping engagement with the male part, not only provides the snapping engagement but also allows engagement with the female part
Implementation Method 2
which has a resilient member in form of a yoke spring which exerts a spring force in the radial direction for snapping engagement with a recessed portion of the male part
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention provides a quick connector for establishing a snapping connection between a tubular male part (50) and a female part (40) of a fluid connection system. The connector has retaining means (10) adapted to be set within the mouth portion (41) of the female part (40) and having a resilient member (20) for snapping engagement with both a thickened portion (52) of the male part (50) and an annular groove (42) in the mouth portion (41) of the female part (40) when the resilient member (20), which is held by the retaining means (10) in an axially fixed position, is stretched in the radial direction due to the snapping engagement with the male part (50).