Quick Pipe Connector Locking Ring Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional quick pipe connectors have complex structures, difficult assembly processes, limited durability due to direct water pressure exposure, and lack of structural protection, making them inconvenient and less applicable.
Innovation Solution
A simplified quick pipe connector design featuring a tubular housing with specific annular surfaces, a connecting unit with a grip ring, locking ring, and release ring, and an inner support tube, allowing for easy assembly and enhanced durability by isolating the seal ring from water pressure and providing structural protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the connecting unit includes four components (inner locking ring, outer locking ring, release ring, grip ring), then the connector can achieve reliable locking and release functions, but the structure becomes relatively complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the inner locking ring and outer locking ring into a single integrated locking ring structure. This locking ring includes an inner wall with an inner locking surface and an outer wall with an outer locking surface, combining the functions of both rings while reducing the total component count and simplifying the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking ring is segmented into functional zones: an inner locking portion for engaging the pipe, an outer locking portion for engagement with the connector body, and a release portion for actuating the release mechanism. This segmentation allows complex functions to be achieved within a single component.
2Reliability
If six steps and a processing tool are required to assemble the connector, then the connector can be properly assembled, but the assembly process becomes relatively difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring and seal ring are combined into a single integrated component. The locking ring includes a seal groove that receives the seal ring, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps and reducing the total number of assembly operations required.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal ring is pre-installed into the seal groove of the locking ring during manufacturing, so that the locking ring arrives at the assembly site already equipped with its sealing element. This preliminary action reduces on-site assembly steps and potential errors.
3Reliability
If contraction of the tubular housing is required to form the first shoulder surface, then the connector can be assembled, but the tubular housing cannot be provided with screw threads on its outer surface
Solution Approach 1:
The shoulder surface is pre-formed on the tubular housing during housing manufacturing, before the connector assembly is assembled. This preliminary formation of the shoulder surface eliminates the need for contraction during assembly and preserves the outer surface for thread formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The function of forming the shoulder surface is extracted from the assembly process and transferred to the housing manufacturing process. This separation allows the housing to be manufactured with both the shoulder surface and external threads independently.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick pipe connector includes a tubular housing defining an axis, and a connecting unit. The connecting unit includes a grip ring adapted to grip a water pipe, and a locking ring abutting against a first housing shoulder surface of the tubular housing and positioning the grip ring to abut against a second housing shoulder surface of the tubular housing. The locking ring has a slit that extends parallel to the axis. An inner ring surface of the locking ring includes an annular inner shoulder part transverse to the axis. A release ring is formed with a stop surface confronting the annular inner shoulder part, and is movable along the axis relative to the locking ring to a release position, where the stop surface is moved away from the annular inner shoulder part and where the release ring forces the grip ring to release gripping action on the water pipe.