Snap-fit Fluid Pipe Connector with Axial Leverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snap-fit connection devices for fluid transfer circuits in air conditioning and power steering systems are structurally complex and require high effort for locking and disconnection, leading to increased manufacturing costs and potentially difficult operations.
Innovation Solution
A snap-fit connection device featuring a male and female tubular duct with radially deformable axial fingers, an annular seal, and locking/disconnection means that allow for reversible axial translation to lock and unlock the connection, reducing the manual force required through a leverage effect and angular indexing ring, enabling simple manual axial movements for connection, locking, and disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cam-type rotating rings are used for locking and disconnection, then the connection can be locked securely, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into multiple independent axial fingers that can move individually along the axial direction, rather than using a single complex rotating ring. Each finger has its own locking portion and disconnection portion, allowing distributed locking action and simplifying the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a rotating ring that moves circumferentially to achieve locking (conventional approach), the invention inverts the approach by using axial translation of fingers to achieve the same locking function. The locking and disconnection actions are performed by moving parts along the axial direction rather than rotating them.
2Reliability
If cam-type rotating rings are used for locking and disconnection, then the connection can be secured, but the effort required for operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking and disconnection mechanism uses dynamic axial translation of fingers that can move freely along the axial direction. The fingers are spring-loaded or elastically deformable, allowing them to automatically engage and disengage with reduced manual effort compared to rigid rotating rings.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary axial translation movement as a mediator between the operator's action and the locking/disconnection function. By translating axial movement into locking action, the mechanism reduces the direct force required compared to rotating the entire ring structure.
3Ease of operation
If radial deformable axial fingers are used with axial translation locking means, then the effort for connection and disconnection is minimized, but the device complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking portion and disconnection portion are merged into a single integrated structure that performs both functions through axial translation. The same axial movement that engages the locking portion also positions the disconnection portion, combining multiple functions into one simple motion path.
Solution Approach 2:
The radially deformable axial fingers are designed to automatically engage with the locking portion during axial insertion and automatically disengage when the disconnection portion is actuated. The elastic deformation of fingers provides self-locking and self-release functionality without requiring additional control mechanisms.
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 solution minimizes the effort needed for connection and disconnection operations, reduces manufacturing costs, and simplifies the connection process by allowing locking and unlocking through axial translation, compared to complex rotating rings in prior art.
Implementation Method 1
at least one radially deformable axial finger that the device comprises
Implementation Method 2
which is capable of pushing it radially outwards to bring it into the disconnection position, which is obtained by a leverage effect applied by the disconnection portion
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The device (1) has a female tubular pipe (4) for receiving a male tubular pipe (2). A ring (6) is formed of a locking portion (6b) and a disconnection portion (6c). The ring is mounted in axial translation around the pipes, such that the translation of the ring towards the stop bring the pipes into the locked connection position, and the translation of the ring in the inverse direction bring the pipes into the disconnection position through lever effect. The lever effect is applied by a disconnection portion under a ramp (5e) of the finger. An independent claim is also included for a method for locking/disconnecting a connection between male and female pipes.