Quick Connector Retainer Snap-Engagement Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connectors for gasoline fuel piping require complex operations to verify correct connection, leading to potential leaks due to incorrect insertion and increased risk of incomplete sealing, and existing connection verifying mechanisms complicate the connection process.
Innovation Solution
A quick connector design with a retainer mounting portion featuring first and second positioning engagement portions and a moving mechanism that automatically positions the retainer for snap-engagement with the annular engaging projection, allowing for simultaneous verification of correct connection during insertion and connection, eliminating the need for a separate checker device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate checker device is used to verify correct connection, then connection verification capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the connection verification function directly into the retainer component. The retainer's leg portions serve dual purposes: providing locking engagement with the pipe's annular engaging projection and simultaneously verifying correct connection through their movement. This eliminates the need for a separate checker device, resolving the contradiction between verification capability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides locking engagement, enables quick disconnection, and verifies correct connection. The leg portions of the retainer act as both locking elements and verification indicators, demonstrating multi-functionality that reduces overall device complexity while maintaining reliable connection verification.
2Measurement precision
If connection verification is performed separately from insertion, then verification accuracy is improved, but operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer's leg portions are positioned in advance within the connector housing to engage with the pipe's annular engaging projection during insertion. As the pipe is inserted, the leg portions automatically move to verify correct connection, eliminating the need for separate verification steps and reducing operation time while maintaining verification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection verification occurs continuously during the insertion process itself. The leg portions of the retainer move in conjunction with pipe insertion, providing real-time verification of correct connection rather than requiring a separate discrete verification action, thus maintaining both accuracy and efficiency.
3Reliability
If the retainer is mounted after pipe insertion, then connection verification is enabled, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is designed to be self-actuating during pipe insertion. The leg portions automatically engage with the pipe's annular engaging projection and move to verify correct connection without requiring separate manual operations. This self-service mechanism maintains ease of operation while enabling reliable connection verification.
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
Enables easy verification of correct connection without additional parts, simplifies the connection process, and ensures reliable sealing by integrating the connection verification mechanism within the connector, reducing the risk of leaks and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the retainer returns, for example, to its original shape before deformed due to its spring-back force, and is brought into snap-engagement (lock engagement) with the annular engaging projection
Data Source
AI summary
When a retainer is mounted on or in a retainer mounting portion and is positioned at an inserting position, a pipe is inserted into the retainer mounting portion. An annular engaging projection of the pipe advances in the connector housing while spreading leg portions of the retainer outwardly. When the annular engaging projection reaches a connecting position, the retainer is automatically moved to an engaging position and snap-engages with the annular engaging projection.