Reverse Snap Push Pull Quick Connect Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional quick connect coupling assemblies lack an effective disconnect mechanism that allows for intentional and deliberate release of the interconnection between components in motor vehicle fluid systems, necessitating the development of a reliable push/pull disconnect feature.
Innovation Solution
A quick connect coupling assembly featuring a retainer with resilient snap arms and a housing with an inner cam surface, where a push/pull feature engages the snap arms to deflect and release from the mounting component, enabling secure connection and easy disconnection by pushing and pulling the retainer relative to the housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional quick connect coupling assemblies are used, then fluid communication between components is established, but the disconnect mechanism is ineffective and does not allow for intentional release
Solution Approach 1:
The snap arm is designed as a resilient, movable component that can dynamically transition between engaged and disengaged states. The cam surface interacts with the snap arm to convert axial push motion into radial deflection, enabling the snap arm to release from the mounting component's shoulder. This dynamic mechanism allows intentional disconnect while maintaining secure connection during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam surface acts as an intermediary element between the push/pull feature and the snap arm. When the push/pull feature is actuated, the cam surface translates the axial force into radial movement of the snap arm, mediating the disconnect action. This intermediary mechanism enables controlled release without requiring direct manipulation of the snap arm itself.
2Ease of operation
If the snap arm is made resilient and deflectable, then the disconnect mechanism becomes effective, but the connection security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The snap arm's resilience parameter is optimized to provide sufficient deflection for disconnect while maintaining adequate engagement force for secure connection. The material and geometry of the snap arm are designed so that it deflects readily under cam surface action during disconnect, but maintains strong engagement during normal operation. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between ease of disconnect and connection security.
3Ease of operation
If the push/pull feature is added to enable disconnect, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The push/pull feature is integrated into the existing retainer structure, serving both as a structural component and as the disconnect actuator. The same feature that provides structural support also enables the disconnect function when actuated, eliminating the need for separate disconnect mechanisms. This multi-functionality approach adds disconnect capability while minimizing increase in overall device complexity.
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 assembly provides a fluid-tight connection and secure disconnection mechanism, ensuring reliable fluid communication while allowing for easy release and reconnection, enhancing the usability and reliability of quick connect coupling systems in automotive applications.
Implementation Method 1
at least one resilient snap arm resiliently cantilevered from the retainer... causes the snap arm to deflect inwardly and release the second deflector ramp from engagement
Data Source
AI summary
A quick connect coupling assembly for interconnecting a tubular component to a mounting component is provided. The coupling assembly includes a retainer adapted to be coupled to the mounting component and having a pair of resiliently cantilevered snap arms. A housing for coupling with the mounting component has an inner cam surface and is configured to abut the mounting component. The snap arms each include a first deflector ramp that is aligned in proximity to the inner cam surface and a second deflector ramp adapted to releaseably engage a back surface of the mounting component. A push/pull feature permits the retainer to be pushed and causes the first deflector ramps to engage the inner cam surface and cause the snap arms to deflect inwardly and release the second deflector ramp from engagement with the back surface and allow the coupling assembly to be pulled out of the mounting component.