Quick Connector Coupling Compact Fluid Tight Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing quick couplings for fluid lines are complex, difficult to assemble, and have a large volume, making them challenging to use in hard-to-reach or cramped spaces, such as in vehicle systems.

Innovation Solution

A quick coupling design featuring a connector body with a head part and a sealing part, where the head part has a through hole for a plug element with a cylindrical sealing surface and an annular upset, and a ring holder with holding elements that secure the plug element, allowing for simple assembly and a compact structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional quick coupling designs are used, then reliable fluid connection is achieved, but device complexity and volume increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid connection reliabilityVSAvoidquick coupling structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector body is divided into two separate parts: a head part and a sealing part. The head part contains the through hole and receives the plug element, while the sealing part provides the sealing surface and sealing element. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall complexity while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The plug element with compression is inserted through the through hole of the head part and secured by the sealing part. The holding element with recess engages with the plug element, creating a nested arrangement where smaller components are contained within larger ones, reducing the overall volume and simplifying the structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If conventional quick coupling designs are used, then connection reliability is maintained, but assembly difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The holding element is pre-configured with a recess that is designed to engage with the plug element during insertion. The sealing element is pre-positioned in the sealing part to ensure proper sealing upon assembly. This preliminary configuration of components reduces assembly difficulty while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If conventional quick coupling designs are used, then fluid tight connection is achieved, but volume increases making it unsuitable for tight spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid tight connectionVSAvoidquick coupling volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The plug element is inserted through the head part and secured within the sealing part, creating a compact nested arrangement. The holding element with its recess engages with the plug element in a space-efficient manner, significantly reducing the overall volume of the quick coupling while maintaining fluid-tight connection capability, making it suitable for tight spaces in vehicle systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Ease of operation

If simple assembly is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but functional reliability may compromise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidfunctional reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The holding element with recess automatically engages with the plug element during insertion, and the sealing element automatically positions itself to create a fluid-tight seal. The compression secures the plug element in place through the sealing surface. This self-service mechanism ensures proper assembly and functional reliability without requiring complex assembly procedures or additional tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 enables reliable, tool-free assembly and operation in tight spaces with improved guidance and stability, ensuring a fluid-tight connection and high functional reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a compression (7) arranged on the sealing surface (30) of the plug-in element (6)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2728236B1Quick connector coupling
Publication Date: 2017.04.19 TI AUTOMOTIVE FULDABRUCK
  • EP2728236B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2728236B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2728236B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The quick coupler (1) has a connector body, where the connector body has two separate units, namely a head unit (2) and a sealing unit (3). A holder (9) is formed as a ring (14), where the holder surrounds the connector body, particularly the head unit. The holder has a retaining element (15), which engages the connector body, particularly the head unit by a recess (17) arranged to the retaining element.