Quick Connector Seal Retention With a Floating Retaining Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connectors lack a reliable safety mechanism to prevent accidental disengagement of the locker from the engaged position after the male end form is removed, and they are prone to seal pack displacement under pressure, compromising fluid-tight integrity.
Innovation Solution
A quick connector assembly with a floating retaining ring and plunger mechanism that ensures the locker moves to the locked position only when the male end form is fully inserted, featuring a resilient member to maintain seal pack position and prevent displacement, and a locker design that prevents partial engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional locker mechanism is used without a floating retaining ring, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of preventing accidental disengagement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The floating retaining ring acts as an intermediary element between the locker and the seal pack. It mediates the interaction by providing a mechanical barrier that prevents the locker from disengaging accidentally, while also serving as a visual indicator. This intermediary component resolves the contradiction by adding reliability without requiring a complex multi-component mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating retaining ring is self-positioning and self-regulating. It automatically moves to block the locker's disengagement path when the seal pack is properly seated, and retracts when the seal pack is removed. This self-service behavior provides reliable prevention of accidental disengagement without requiring external control mechanisms, motors, or complex actuation systems.
2Reliability
If the locker is allowed to move freely to the engaged position, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of proper locking deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The floating retaining ring performs a preliminary anti-action by positioning itself in advance to block the locker's path to the engaged position unless the seal pack is properly inserted. This prevents improper locking before it can occur, ensuring that the locker can only engage when the seal pack is correctly in place. The ring's proactive blocking action maintains reliability while preserving ease of operation, as users simply need to insert the seal pack and the locker will naturally engage.
3Reliability
If a fixed retaining ring is used instead of a floating retaining ring, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of seal pack retention under pressure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining ring transitions from a static, fixed position to a dynamic, floating position that can move axially in response to pressure forces. This dynamic behavior allows the ring to maintain constant contact with the seal pack under varying pressure conditions, ensuring reliable retention. The floating design adapts to pressure changes automatically, providing robust seal retention without requiring complex active control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The floating retaining ring changes its positional parameter in response to pressure variations. Under pressure, the ring moves axially to maintain optimal contact with the seal pack, adjusting its position dynamically. This parameter change capability ensures reliable seal retention under different operating conditions while keeping the mechanism simple and passive.
4Reliability
If the O-rings are allowed to engage the retaining ring under pressure, then the seal flexibility is improved, but the reliability of O-ring position maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The floating retaining ring serves as an intermediary that mediates the interaction between the pressurized fluid and the O-rings. Instead of allowing pressure to directly displace the O-rings, the ring intercepts and redirects the force, maintaining O-ring position reliability while preserving seal flexibility.
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
Ensures secure and reliable locking of the male end form, maintains fluid-tight seal integrity under pressure, and provides visual cues for proper locking, reducing the risk of accidental disengagement.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient member is a wave spring
Data Source
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AI summary
A quick connector assembly for mating with a male end form includes a housing having an inner bore for receiving the male end form. The inner bore includes first and second sections. A locker slidably engages the exterior surface of the housing and is movable between unlocked and locked positions. A seal pack including a first sealing ring, a second sealing ring, and a spacer sandwiched between the first and second sealing rings is disposed in the first section. A floating retaining ring is partially disposed within the second section. The retaining ring includes an elongated boss that extends axially into the first section and abuts the first sealing ring for retaining the seal pack in the first section. In the unlocked position, the elongated boss of the retaining ring prevents the first sealing ring from being displaced out of the first section of the inner bore.