Quick Connector Structure With Three-Stage Guiding Against Loosening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connectors suffer from poor plugging reliability and are prone to loosening and leakage due to inadequate structural designs, particularly in the female connector assembly.
Innovation Solution
The quick connector structure incorporates a female connector assembly with a three-section outer and inner surface design, featuring an annular movable plug and steel ball mechanism, along with springs for axial displacement, ensuring secure guiding and positioning during connection and disconnection, thereby enhancing the reliability of the connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional locking mechanism with locking pin and annular locking boss is used, then the connector can achieve quick connection and disconnection, but the plugging reliability is poor and the connector is prone to loosening and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sealing and guiding function into three distinct sections on the annular movable plug: a first section with a first restricting step for initial positioning, a second section with a second restricting step for secondary positioning, and a third section with a tapered surface for final sealing engagement. This segmentation allows each section to perform a specific function in sequence, improving overall plugging reliability without requiring a completely complex new mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the annular movable plug are given different surface characteristics: the first and second sections have restricting steps for mechanical positioning and guidance, while the third section has a tapered surface for sealing engagement. The male connector similarly has corresponding localized features including a tapered guiding surface and sealing surface. This local differentiation ensures that each area performs its specific function optimally
2Ease of manufacture
If the connector structure is simplified for ease of manufacture, then production cost decreases, but the connector becomes more prone to loosening and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The annular movable plug is pre-configured with three distinct surface sections during manufacturing: the first section with retaining ring and first restricting step, the second section with second restricting step, and the third section with tapered surface. These preliminary structural features ensure that during actual connection, the guiding and positioning actions occur automatically in the correct sequence, preventing loosening and leakage without requiring complex assembly procedures or additional manufacturing steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the annular movable plug is sleeved on the fixed mandrel, and the retaining ring is positioned on the first section outer surface of the plug. The multi-section design allows inner components to be nested within outer components, facilitating assembly while maintaining reliable connection through the staged engagement of the three sections
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 improved design provides enhanced plugging reliability and reduces the likelihood of loosening and leakage, improving the overall performance and competitiveness of the quick connector.
Implementation Method 1
The first spring is configured for providing the outer movable sleeve with a return elastic force for axial displacement
Implementation Method 2
The second spring acts on the retaining ring to provide the annular movable plug with a return elastic force for axial displacement
Implementation Method 3
The third spring is configured for providing the male movable sleeve with a return elastic force for axial displacement
Implementation Method 4
The steel ball is located in the steel ball groove
Data Source
AI summary
A quick connector structure includes a female connector assembly and a male connector assembly. The female connector assembly includes a female connector, an inner fixed sleeve, an outer movable sleeve, a fixed mandrel, an annular movable plug, a steel ball, a first spring, and a second spring. An annular boss is provided on the inner wall of the inner fixed sleeve. The outer surface of the annular movable plug is a three-section outer surface, and the inner surface of the annular movable plug is a three-section inner surface, such that the female connector assembly and the male connector assembly can be plugged and unplugged with ease and have a better guiding and positioning effect after being connected.