Quick-Plug Connector Seal-First Layout for Scratch-Tolerant Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing quick-plug connection connectors in vehicle suspension systems face issues with pipeline installation requirements due to the sealing ring being positioned behind the locking member, leading to potential scratching and compromised sealing performance if the release ring is not properly pressed during installation.

Innovation Solution

The sealing ring is arranged in front of the locking member, forming a pipeline installation path, and is designed as a flexible, variable-diameter ring that radially compresses the pipeline during insertion, ensuring sealing contact and reducing installation difficulties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the sealing ring is arranged behind the locking member, then the connector structure is compact, but the pipeline installation requirements are high and sealing performance is compromised when the release ring is not pressed properly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector structureVSAvoidsealing performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by placing the sealing ring in front of the locking member instead of behind it. This reversal allows the sealing ring to contact the pipeline first during insertion, ensuring sealing before the locking member engages, thereby resolving the contradiction between compact structure and reliable sealing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing ring performs the sealing action preliminarily before the locking member engages. By positioning the sealing ring ahead of the locking member in the insertion path, the sealing function is executed first, ensuring that even if the release ring is not pressed properly, the sealing has already been established.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the release ring is not pressed well during installation, then installation is easier, but the pipeline is scratched by the locking member affecting sealing performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidsealing performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing ring executes the sealing function preliminarily before the pipeline contacts the locking member. This preliminary sealing action ensures that even if the release ring is not pressed adequately, the sealing has already been established by the sealing ring, preventing pipeline scratching from compromising sealing performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing ring acts as a protective element that cushions against potential damage from the locking member. By positioning it in front of the locking member, it absorbs the initial contact and protects the pipeline from scratching, providing beforehand protection against installation errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the sealing ring is made of flexible material, then sealing adaptability is improved, but the sealing ring structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing adaptabilityVSAvoidsealing ring structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible sealing ring made of elastomeric material that can deform radially to adapt to the pipeline surface. This flexibility allows the sealing ring to conform to slight variations in pipeline geometry, improving sealing adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple ring structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing ring utilizes changes in its physical parameters, specifically its radial dimensions, to achieve adaptation. The flexible material allows the ring to change its radial shape during installation, enabling it to accommodate different pipeline sizes and shapes without requiring a complex adjustable structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This arrangement maintains sealing performance by ensuring the pipeline remains in contact with the sealing ring, even if scratched by the locking member, and facilitates easy installation and removal, enhancing the connector's sealing capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

The sealing ring is made of a flexible material, and the pipeline installation path allows for the insertion of a pipeline; and as the pipeline is inserted into the pipeline installation path, the sealing ring is adaptively adjusted to radially compress the pipeline.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4386248B1Quick-plug connection connector and leveling valve
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 ZF COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SYSTEMS (QINGDAO) CO LTD
  • EP4386248B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4386248B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4386248B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to the technical field of automobile parts and components, and provides a quick-plug connection connector and a leveling valve. The quick-plug connection connector comprises: a locking member 20 arranged at a tail end 10b of a connector body 10; a release ring 30 partially extending into the connector body 10 from a head end 10a of the connector body 10 so as to come into contact with the locking member 20, an annular receiving groove 300 being provided in the release ring 30; and a sealing ring 40 received in the annular receiving groove 300, wherein as the release ring 30 is pressed against the locking member 20, the locking member 20 is released, to form a pipeline installation path leading from the sealing ring 40 to the locking member 20. In the quick-plug connection connector of the present invention, the pipeline installation path leading from the sealing ring 40 to the locking member 20 is formed by arranging the sealing ring 40 in front of the locking member 20, so that the pipeline installation requirements can be reduced. Even if a pipeline that first enters the connector body 10 is scratched by the locking member 20, the air tightness of the pipeline will not be affected, ensuring that the sealing performance of the pipeline always meets the requirements.