Quick Connector Sleeve Transfers Axial Load to Retainer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Quick connector assemblies for high-pressure fluid systems face challenges in maintaining a fluid-tight seal under conditions of high temperature, pressure, vibration, and cyclic load, as existing solutions struggle to reliably accommodate axial forces and ensure secure connections.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a sleeve arrangement that transfers axial loads from the seal ring to the retainer, utilizing a Teflon polymer spacer between the seal member and the sleeve to minimize the effects of vibration and cyclic loads, along with a retainer and O-ring configuration that maintains a fluid-tight seal through axial force distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a retainer with locking members is used to secure the male member, then the connection strength is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides locking through radially extending locking members, supports the seal member, and transfers axial loads. This integration reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as a locking mechanism, a support structure for the seal, and a load transfer element. This multi-functionality addresses the contradiction by providing strength without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the O-ring is slidably linked with the retainer to allow slight sliding, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability worsens due to difficulty in maintaining fluid tight joint under vibration and cyclic pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes from a purely sliding seal interface to one where the retainer provides structural stability. The retainer's rigid structure limits excessive seal movement while still allowing necessary insertion motion, maintaining both ease of operation and joint integrity under vibration.
3Device complexity
If a press fit or snap fit spacer is used to hold the seal against axial load, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability worsens under high pressure applications
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer combines seal support and load-bearing functions into a single component. Instead of using a separate press-fit spacer, the retainer's integrated structure provides both seal mounting and axial load resistance, reducing part count while improving high-pressure reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer features a radially enlarged upset section that provides a curved, self-centering support surface for the seal. This geometric feature distributes axial loads evenly across the seal interface, enhancing reliability under high pressure without requiring complex additional components.
4Ease of operation
If the retainer is made flexible to allow O-ring sliding, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability worsens in accommodating axial force under high pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is segmented into different functional zones: a flexible locking section with radially extending members for easy connection, and a radially enlarged upset section for rigid axial load bearing. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the retainer have different mechanical properties: the locking members are flexible to facilitate easy connection, while the radially enlarged upset section is structurally rigid to accommodate axial forces. This local differentiation of material or structural properties resolves the contradiction between flexibility and strength.
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 effectively maintains a fluid-tight seal under high-pressure conditions, such as in automotive brake systems, by distributing axial forces and withstanding frequent pressure pulsations, ensuring reliable connections and easy disconnection with minimal axial force required for reassembly.
Implementation Method 1
an additional spacer made of Teflon polymer located between the seal member and the sleeve is used to minimize the effects of vibration and cyclic load
Implementation Method 2
The present invention incorporates a sleeve arrangement to transfer axial load imparted to the seal ring by fluid pressure to the retainer
Implementation Method 3
A seal member, usually in the form of an O-ring seal, is used with a quick connector coupling to create a fluid tight seal between the male member and the connector body
Data Source
AI summary
A quick connector coupling assembly to connect a rigid tube to a hollow body component. A retainer releasably retains the tube within a bore in the body. A resilient seal member surrounds the tube and creates a fluid tight seal against the tube and the body defining the bore. A sleeve extends between the seal member and the retainer and transfers axial load on the seal due to pressure to the retainer. In one embodiment a Teflon spacer is interposed between the seal member and the sleeve. A stuffer pin preassembles the sealing and retention elements for insertion into the connector body.