Quick Connector Sealing Groove for Lower Assembly Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connectors require excessive assembly force and lack sufficient sealing mechanisms, especially when multiple seals are needed, and do not accommodate diverse fluid resistance requirements.
Innovation Solution
A quick connector design with a 3D bottomed internal annular groove and a spacer between seals, allowing for easy assembly and use of seals of different materials or diameters, ensuring effective sealing and reduced assembly force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple seals are used to ensure appropriate tightness, then sealing reliability is improved, but assembly force increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from a flat seal arrangement to a 3D bottom configuration in the sealing zone. The 3D bottom creates multiple sealing levels and surfaces, allowing multiple seals to be positioned at different depths and angles. This three-dimensional arrangement distributes the sealing function across multiple spatial dimensions, achieving reliable multi-seal sealing while optimizing the force distribution during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing zone is segmented into multiple distinct sealing positions arranged in a 3D configuration. Each seal occupies a specific position and orientation within the three-dimensional space, creating separate sealing zones. This segmentation allows each seal to perform its sealing function independently at different locations, ensuring comprehensive sealing reliability while managing assembly forces through distributed contact points.
2Adaptability or versatility
If seals of different materials or diameters are used to accommodate various fluid requirements, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different material compositions and diameters to specific seals based on their local positioning within the 3D sealing zone. Each seal can be optimized for specific fluid resistance requirements, chemical compatibility, or temperature conditions encountered at its particular location. This localized customization allows the connector to handle various fluids effectively while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through the standardized 3D bottom configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick connector includes: a tubular connector body defining an insertion axis and having a sealing zone in the form of an inner annular groove for receiving a male element; and an axial retaining element. The inner annular groove includes a bottom and a side wall which are defined by an inner shoulder of the main tubular connector body. The inner shoulder is not contained in a transverse plane, perpendicular to the insertion axis. The connector includes, between the axial retaining element and the bottom, at least two seals and a spacer located between the seals.