Quick Connector Retainer Segmentation for Pipe Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Quick connectors for motor vehicle coolant and fuel systems face challenges in maintaining a secure lock and easy separation, especially when connected to short pipes, and in preventing accidental disconnection due to high fluid pressure and deformation issues, as well as ensuring anti-rotation functionality and easy sealing member installation.
Innovation Solution
A quick connector design featuring resiliently deformable retainers with release arms that snap-engaging with an annular projection, an anti-rotation mechanism using a recessed portion, and a modular construction for easy sealing member integration, allowing for secure locking and easy disconnection, while preventing deformation and ensuring anti-rotation functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a slim and long retainer is used to prevent deformation under high pressure, then the retainer can maintain its shape, but it is easily deformed when pushed strongly by the annular engaging projection, causing accidental disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is divided into multiple retainers (typically three) arranged radially around the passage way, with each retainer being shorter and more robust. This segmentation distributes the load and prevents excessive deformation of individual retainers while maintaining reliable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainers are designed to be resiliently deformable, allowing dynamic response to pressure changes. The retainers can elastically deform under high pressure to maintain engagement while returning to their original position when pressure decreases, preventing permanent deformation and accidental disconnection.
2Reliability
If the retainer is configured to engage radially outward when pushed by the annular engaging projection, then accidental removal is prevented, but the release arms must be manipulated carefully to avoid deforming the retainer, bothering the worker
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented between the retainers (which provide resilient engagement) and the release arms (which provide manual actuation). This allows the retainers to maintain secure locking through radial engagement while the release arms can be manipulated independently to achieve separation without deforming the retainers.
Solution Approach 2:
The release arms act as intermediaries between the operator and the retainers. By manipulating the release arms, the operator can control the engagement and disengagement of the retainers without directly applying force that would deform them, simplifying the separation operation.
3Reliability
If a retainer is used to snap-engage with the annular engaging projection, then the pipe is locked securely, but the release arms must be pressed radially inward to separate, which is difficult when the pipe is short and the connector housing is close to the pipe main member
Solution Approach 1:
The release arms extend radially outward from the retainers, providing an accessible interface for manual actuation in a direction perpendicular to the axial engagement. This radial arrangement allows operators to access and manipulate the release arms even when axial space is limited, solving the accessibility problem with short pipes.
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 provides a secure lock and easy separation of the pipe from the connector, maintains anti-rotation functionality, and facilitates the installation of sealing members, enhancing operational reliability and ease of use in dense engine environments.
Implementation Method 1
The retainer means has a pair of retainers that are resiliently deformable in such manner that the free ends spread out or spread apart taking the fixing end portions as fulcrums by pressing the pair of release arms radially inwardly from outside
Data Source
AI summary
Retainer assembly has a pair of retainers that are disposed on diametrically opposite sides of a passage way of an annular engaging projection of a pipe, and release arms that are provided on the retainers, respectively. Each of the retainers has a fixing end portion integrally connected to and supported by a pipe retainer portion, and a free end including an engaging portion for snap-engaging with the annular engaging projection. Each of the release arms has a cross-sectional shape for allowing a pressure on the release arm in a longitudinal direction, when being pressed radially inwardly from outside.