Sliding-Lock Quick Connector With Stop-Controlled Auto Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connectors for fluid pipelines are not compact enough to fit in tight installation spaces and lack visual mistake-proofing, making them unsuitable for applications requiring a smaller size and secure, automatic locking mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A quick connector design featuring a sleeving component with a sliding lock that radially elastically deforms to automatically move into a locked position upon fluid pipeline insertion, incorporating a stop component to prevent accidental locking and ensure secure engagement without manual intervention, and a locking hook that surrounds a locking catch for secure retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a threaded fastener is used to connect pipelines, then leak-proof sealing is ensured, but assembly time increases due to requiring two wrenches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the threaded fastening system with a bayonet-style locking mechanism that uses rotational engagement instead of threading. This substitution eliminates the need for wrenches and multiple assembly steps while maintaining secure, leak-proof connections through the interlocking geometry of the locking groove and locking protrusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design enables self-aligning and self-locking features where the bayonet coupling automatically engages and locks into position through its geometric configuration. The system serves itself by using the insertion motion to automatically trigger the locking mechanism without requiring external tools or complex assembly procedures.
2Productivity
If existing quick connector designs are used, then connection speed is improved, but installation space requirements increase making them unsuitable for compact applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structural arrangement where the locking mechanism, sealing elements, and coupling components are integrated within a compact, multi-layered configuration. The bayonet coupling structure allows components to be nested concentrically, reducing the overall radial and axial dimensions while maintaining full locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional linear or radial locking mechanisms to a rotational engagement system that utilizes angular displacement for locking. This dimensional change allows the connector to achieve secure locking with smaller overall dimensions by exploiting the rotational degree of freedom rather than requiring extended linear travel or large radial clearance.
3Measurement precision
If manual locking operations are required, then control precision is improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates preliminary positioning features such as guide surfaces, alignment grooves, and pre-configured locking geometries that automatically orient and position the coupling elements correctly during insertion. This preliminary action ensures precise locking engagement without requiring manual adjustment or complex control procedures by the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism utilizes dynamic engagement where the bayonet coupling transitions from an unlocked to a locked state through a controlled rotational motion. The design incorporates movable elements that automatically shift position during the locking process, providing tactile feedback and visual indication of the locked state without requiring complex control systems.
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 provides a compact, visually mistake-proof, and leak-proof connection that automatically locks the fluid pipeline without manual operation, ensuring secure and efficient fluid transfer in tight spaces.
Implementation Method 1
the sliding lock is configured to radially elastically deform towards the outside of the sleeving component by means of mechanical interference with an end of the fluid pipeline during the insertion of the fluid pipeline into the sleeving component
Implementation Method 2
the locking hook matches a locking catch provided in the main body of the sleeving component, and when the fluid pipeline is completely pushed into the main body of the sleeving component, the locking hook moves around the locking catch and finally surrounds the locking catch
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A quick connector (1;101), the quick connector (1;101) comprising a sleeve joint part (6; 106) and a sliding lock (8;108). The sleeve joint part (6; 106) comprises a stop part, and the stop part is configured to stop the automatic moving of the sliding lock (8;108) toward the interior of the sleeve joint part (6;106) in the transverse direction in the period when a fluid pipeline (4;104) is inserted into the sleeve joint part (6;106), and release the stopping of the sliding block (8;108) when the fluid pipeline (4;104) is completely pushed into a main body (30; 130) of the sleeve joint part (6;106); the sliding lock (8; 108) further comprises at least one locking hook (50), and the locking hooks (50) match locking fasteners (37) arranged in the main body (30;130) of the sleeve joint part (6;106). When the fluid pipeline (4;104) is completely pushed into the main body (30; 130) of the sleeve joint part (6;106), the locking hooks (50) move around the locking fasteners and finally surround the locking fasteners (37). The described quick connector (1;101) is smaller in size and has a visual inspection mistake proofing function. In the process of inserting the fluid pipeline (4;104), the sliding lock (8;108) will not move to a locking position even if an external force exists.