Quick Connector With Rotational Shanks for Pipe Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connectors for pipes lack simplicity in constructional details and secure connection mechanisms, and often require complex operations to release connected parts, failing to meet specific demands across various fields and dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A quick connector design featuring a coupling device with shanks that move perpendicular to the pipe axis, allowing a simple transition between locked and releasing positions through a rotational motion, facilitated by a protuberance that displaces the shanks to change the coupling device's position, ensuring easy assembly and disassembly of pipe sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional quick connectors use locking spring clips with wedge-shaped elements to spread shanks apart, then the connection can be locked securely, but the constructional details become complex and the release operation requires significant force
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into two independent shanks that can move separately relative to the pipe end part. Each shank can be actuated independently by the protuberance, allowing simplified construction compared to a monolithic locking mechanism with multiple interacting components.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex wedge-shaped spreading elements are removed from the design. Instead, the shanks are directly actuated by the protuberance pressing against them, extracting the intermediate mechanical elements and simplifying the overall construction while maintaining the locking function.
2Reliability
If quick connectors use multiple interacting components to achieve secure locking, then connection reliability improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates as release requires complex maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The protuberance on the coupling device serves a dual function: it acts as both a positioning element and the actuating mechanism for release. When pressed, it directly moves the shanks to the releasing position, allowing the device to release itself without requiring external tools or complex manual maneuvers.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the user to apply force to spread locking elements apart (as in traditional designs), the design inverts the approach by having a protruding element that, when pressed, directly actuates the shanks to release. The user applies pressure to the protuberance rather than having to manipulate multiple components.
3Ease of manufacture
If quick connectors are designed with simple constructional details, then ease of manufacture improves, but the secure connection mechanism may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device integrates multiple functions into a single component: the shanks provide both the locking function (when in the locked position) and the release mechanism (when actuated by the protuberance). This merging of functions reduces the number of separate parts needed, simplifying manufacture while maintaining secure connection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shanks serve multiple purposes: they act as locking elements when engaged with the pipe end part, and simultaneously serve as the release mechanism when actuated by the protuberance. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate locking and release components, simplifying both construction and manufacture.
4Reliability
If quick connectors use complex locking mechanisms to ensure secure connection, then connection reliability improves, but the device complexity increases making operation less user-friendly
Solution Approach 1:
The protuberance is designed to be actuated by simple user pressure, and it automatically performs the release function by moving the shanks. The system serves itself by converting simple linear pressure into the complex motion needed for release, making the operation user-friendly while maintaining secure connection when at rest.
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 solution provides a user-friendly, easy-to-manufacture connector that securely couples and decouples pipe ends with a single operation, suitable for various pipe dimensions and shapes, particularly for automotive applications like windscreen washer fluid connections.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling device is resiliently attached in such a way that at a certain pressure on the protuberance (11) in the shown direction (see figure 4B), the protruding part of the coupling device (6) will be moved out of its first, locking position to the second, releasing position
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
Coupling (1) for connecting of pipe shaped sections comprising a first pipe section (2) and a coupling device (6) arranged to connect the first pipe section (2) with a second pipe section. When joined together, the first pipe section (2) is arranged to receive the second pipe section in such a way that the first pipe section (2) and the second pipe section forms an overlapping region. The wall (3) of the first pipe section (2) is provided with a through hole (8) in the overlapping region (7) and the coupling device (6) is adapted to protrude through the hole (8). The coupling device (6) is at least at one of its ends (9 or 10) slidably attached in such a way that a rotational displacement around, and essentially perpendicular to, the axial direction of the pipe section (2) will give rise to a change between a first position for locking, wherein said coupling device (6) is protruding on the inner side (4) of the first pipe section, and a second position for release wherein the coupling device (6) essentially not is protruding.