Quick Connector Assembly Tool-Free Sealing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connector assemblies for fluid systems are difficult to assemble and not suited for repeated reuse, often requiring special tools and complex assembly processes, and they often leak.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly featuring a cylindrical threaded connector body with a collet, adjustment ring, collar, ferrule, and locking split ring, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without tools, with a sealing mechanism that ensures leak-proof connections and adaptability to various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional connectors are used, then connections can be made, but assembly requires special tools and complex procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate components: a body portion with internal threading, a collet with resilient fingers, a ferrule, and a locking mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while simplifying the overall assembly process, as parts can be assembled in a straightforward sequence without requiring complex tooling or procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The collet features resilient radially inward fingers that automatically engage and secure the pipe when inserted, eliminating the need for manual adjustment or special tools. The self-expanding nature of the resilient fingers provides automatic gripping action, making the connector self-assembling once the pipe is inserted and the locking mechanism is engaged.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If traditional connectors are used, then connections can be made, but repeated reuse is not feasible
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism incorporates a collar that can move between locked and unlocked positions, and the resilient collet fingers can dynamically adjust their gripping force. This dynamic design allows the connector to be easily disassembled by moving the collar to release the lock, enabling repeated reuse while maintaining operational simplicity throughout the connector's service life.
3Reliability
If traditional connectors are used, then piping connections can be established, but leaking occurs
Solution Approach 1:
An elastomeric O-ring is used as the sealing element, positioned within a groove in the body portion. The flexible nature of the O-ring allows it to conform to the pipe surface and maintain a reliable seal under varying pressure conditions. This simple yet effective sealing approach provides leak-proof connections without requiring complex sealing mechanisms or multiple sealing elements.
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
Facilitates quick, easy, and reliable piping connections without leaks, enabling repeated use and adaptability to different applications, simplifying the assembly process and ensuring secure, leak-proof fluid pathways.
Implementation Method 1
A spring surrounds the ferrule and extends between the flanged end of the ferrule and the stop of the adjustment ring to bias the ferrule and collar away from the adjustment ring
Implementation Method 2
the collet having resilient radially inward fingers extending within the circumferential sidewall of the seat member
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly including a connector body having a coupling end and sealing means. A collet couples to the connector body and has resilient fingers. An adjustment ring has a stop and defines guide tracks. A collar has protrusions coupled in the guide tracks. A ferrule is slidingly housed within the collar and adjustment ring. A locking split ring clips onto the adjustment ring to limit travel of the collar. In a locked position, the locking split ring is installed and a pipe, inserted into the connector body is retained in place by the resilient radially inward fingers of the collet and sealed by the sealing means. In the released position, the collar has been moved to force the ferrule into the collet to splay the resilient fingers such that the pipe is freely insertable and removeable from the connector assembly.