Quick Connector Sleeve for High-Pressure Seal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Quick connector assemblies for high-pressure fluid systems face challenges in maintaining a fluid-tight seal and burst pressure performance under conditions of high temperature, pressure, vibration, and cyclic loading, where axial forces and contaminants pose risks to the integrity of the connection.
Innovation Solution
An improved sleeve configuration that transfers axial loads from the O-ring seal directly to the locking arms of the retainer, combined with an insertion verifier/latch mechanism that verifies complete insertion, stabilizes the locking arms, and enhances burst pressure performance by distributing compressive stresses and preventing contaminant entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional O-ring seal with spacer is used in quick connector assemblies, then the seal can accommodate some axial load, but the seal and connection reliability deteriorate under high pressure, temperature, vibration, and cyclic loading conditions
Solution Approach 1:
An outer spacer is introduced as an intermediary component between the O-ring seal and the retainer locking arms. This outer spacer transfers axial loads directly to the locking arms, preventing the O-ring seal from bearing the full axial force. The intermediary structure protects the seal while maintaining connection reliability under high pressure and cyclic loading conditions.
2Ease of operation
If the retainer locking arms are made flexible to accommodate assembly tolerances, then ease of assembly is improved, but the ability to maintain fluid-tight seal under high pressure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is segmented into multiple locking arms that can flex independently during assembly to accommodate tolerances, while the outer spacer provides a rigid load transfer path. This segmentation allows the locking arms to be flexible during assembly but rigid during operation when transferring axial loads, resolving the contradiction between ease of assembly and seal reliability.
3Device complexity
If no additional load transfer mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the burst pressure performance and connection stability deteriorate under high pressure applications
Solution Approach 1:
The outer spacer serves multiple functions: it transfers axial loads from the O-ring seal to the locking arms, provides structural support to prevent contaminant entry, and stabilizes the retainer assembly. By combining multiple functions into a single component, the design improves burst pressure performance without proportionally increasing device complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the O-ring seal is allowed to slide slightly on the male member, then adaptability to assembly variations is improved, but the fluid-tight seal reliability deteriorates under vibration and cyclic loading
Solution Approach 1:
The outer spacer acts as a mediator that stabilizes the O-ring seal's position on the male member. While the seal can still accommodate assembly variations through slight positioning adjustments, the outer spacer prevents excessive sliding under vibration and cyclic loading by providing a rigid structural framework that maintains seal integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick connector coupling assembly includes a retainer to connect a rigid tube to a hollow body component. A sleeve extending between a fluid sealing member and the retainer includes a rearward abutment surface in abutting contact with the retainer. The retainer locking arms include forward abutment surfaces in abutting relation with the tube upset and forward abutment surfaces in abutting relation with the sleeve. An insertion verifier includes a ring portion with axially extending legs positioned in the slots between the retainer locking arms. At least one leg includes a releasable latch engaged with the retainer in the slots between the locking arms. Guide elements on the retainer and insertion verifier align the verifier legs and retainer slots on insertion of the verifier.