Quick Connector Snap Hook Geometry for Secure Hose Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connectors suffer from instability and unreliability in their locking mechanisms, along with a high assembly effort due to multiple parts.
Innovation Solution
A quick connector design featuring snap hooks with a tapered bending portion and a concave back side, coupled with spring elements and a coupling ring, which are manufactured using a two-component injection molding process, providing improved bending properties and restoring forces for secure locking and simplified assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional locking mechanisms are used, then the quick connector can be assembled, but the stability and reliability of the locking mechanism is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The snap hook is integrated with the coupling ring to form a unified locking mechanism. The snap hook comprises a foot portion, upper portion, and bending portion that are formed as a single piece, eliminating the need for separate fastening components and reducing assembly steps while improving locking reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The bending portion of the snap hook features a specific tapered shape with varying thickness - thinner at the bending region for flexibility and thicker at the foot and upper portions for structural strength. This local variation in geometry optimizes both the locking reliability and the snap hook's mechanical performance
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple parts are used in the locking mechanism, then the locking function can be achieved, but the assembling effort is high
Solution Approach 1:
The snap hook and coupling ring are designed as integrated components that can be manufactured as a single piece using two-component injection molding. This merging of parts dramatically reduces the number of components and simplifies the assembly process while maintaining the locking function
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling ring serves multiple functions: it provides the structural base for the locking mechanism, houses the snap hook, and enables both locking and release functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components
3Strength
If the snap hook has uniform thickness, then manufacturing is simple, but the bending properties and restoring forces are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The snap hook's bending portion features a tapered thickness profile - thinner in the bending region to enable flexible deformation and higher restoring forces, and thicker at the foot and upper portions for structural integrity. This local geometric variation optimizes mechanical performance
Solution Approach 2:
The thickness parameter of the snap hook is varied along its length to optimize performance. The bending portion has a reduced thickness compared to the foot and upper portions, creating the necessary flexibility for effective locking while maintaining overall structural 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 design enhances the stability and reliability of the locking mechanism while reducing the assembly effort by leveraging the increased lever arm and flexible deformation of snap hooks, ensuring a secure connection and easy disconnection.
Implementation Method 1
the bending portion comprises a tapered shape, wherein the thickness of the bending portion is increasing towards the upper portion
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a quick connector for coupling a hose at a male coupling element comprising a connector main body (2) with a hose receiving portion (2.1), a receiving area (2.2) adapted to receive a portion of said male coupling element and a locking mechanism (3) adapted to lock the male coupling element at the quick connector in a position in which said male coupling element is partially inserted in said receiving area (2.2), wherein said locking mechanism (3) comprises two or more snap hooks (4) adapted to interact with a groove or recess provided at the male coupling element in order to lock the male coupling element in the inserted state, wherein said snap hooks (4) com¬ prise : - a foot portion (4.1); - an upper portion (4.3) forming an engagement portion; and - a bending portion (4.2) being arranged between said foot portion (4.1) and said upper portion (4.3); wherein said bending portion (4.2) comprises a tapered shape, wherein the thickness of the bending portion (4.2) is increasing towards the upper portion (4.3).