Quick Connector Seal Retainer for Axial Load Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Quick connector fluid coupling assemblies face challenges in maintaining a reliable seal and resisting axial displacement and side load vibrations due to the design of traditional 'horseshoe' retainers, which can lead to instability under fluid pressure and thermal cycling.
Innovation Solution
A separate seal assembly retainer or outer spacer is securely engaged with the connector body to receive axial loads from fluid pressure, featuring discontinuous arcuate body ledges that define axially inward facing radial locking surfaces, enhancing the assembly's resistance to axial displacement and side load vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a traditional horseshoe retainer is used to secure the male member, then the connection is secured with simple structure, but the assembly becomes unstable under axial load and side load vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is divided into two separate components: a horseshoe retainer for securing the male member and a seal assembly retainer for supporting the seal assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall stability without requiring a complex integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal assembly retainer acts as an intermediary component between the seal assembly and the connector body. It receives axial loads directly from the connector body through locking ledges, preventing these loads from being transmitted to the horseshoe retainer and male member upset, thereby stabilizing the entire assembly.
2Reliability
If the seal assembly is held by a spacer in snap fit or press fit relation, then the assembly is simple to manufacture, but the axial displacement resistance is insufficient under fluid pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function and retention function are separated into distinct components. The seal assembly retainer is a separate piece that specifically handles axial load reception and seal assembly retention, while the horseshoe retainer handles male member securing. This segmentation improves reliability without significantly complicating manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal assembly retainer features a radially extending ring geometry with curved locking ledges that engage with radially inward facing locking surfaces in the connector body. This curved, radial geometry provides superior axial load resistance compared to straight snap-fit features, while remaining manufacturable through standard molding processes.
3Reliability
If the outer spacer is subjected to axial load from fluid pressure, then the seal assembly is secured, but the outer spacer experiences axial displacement and instability during thermal cycling
Solution Approach 1:
The seal assembly retainer serves as an intermediary that transfers axial loads from the connector body to the seal assembly without allowing the outer spacer to bear the full brunt of these loads. The locking ledges and locking surfaces create a stable load path that is resistant to thermal expansion and contraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial abutment surface and locking ledges are designed to automatically engage and disengage based on axial movement. During thermal cycling, the components self-adjust within the locked configuration, maintaining stability without requiring external intervention or complex compensation mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick connector coupling for a fluid line includes a female connector body defining a through bore, a tubular male member with a raised annular upset, and a retainer demountably coupled to the connector body. A seal assembly provides a fluid tight seal between the tube and body bore. A separate outer spacer is secured to the body to receive axial load of the seal assembly. The body defines spaced arcuate locking ledges having axially inward facing radial locking surfaces. The outer spacer is a continuous annular element includes an integral radial ring defining an annular axially outward facing radial abutment surface in radial abutting relation to the locking surfaces of said body ledges.