Snap-Pin Quick Connector Structure for Stable Pipe Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipe connector systems require adjustable clamps for stability, which are inconvenient to use, especially in small or concealed spaces, due to limited access and difficulty in tool usage after assembly.
Innovation Solution
A quick connector structure featuring a fitting connector with a U-shaped positioning snap pin, which includes a fitting hole with snap openings and positioning grooves, and a connector body with snap grooves and bumps, combined with an elastic U-shaped positioning snap pin that snaps into place, allowing for stable and convenient assembly in confined spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If an adjustable pipe clamp device is used to hold the connection between pipe body and pipe connector, then the connection stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in adjusting the clamp device in small or concealed spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into modular components: fitting connector, connector, and U-shaped positioning snap pin. Each component has specific positioning features (snap holes, snap grooves, positioning bumps) that work together to provide stable connection without requiring external clamp devices. The segmentation allows for easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is self-servicing through the snap pin mechanism that automatically positions and secures the fitting connector to the connector. The elastic snap pin with positioning features performs the function of both positioning and securing without requiring external tools or adjustable clamps, making the operation simple and tool-free.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a conventional pipe connector system with adjustable clamps is used, then the connection stability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional clamp devices required for each fitting part
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning and securing functions are merged into a single integrated snap pin mechanism. The U-shaped positioning snap pin combines positioning features (positioning bumps, snap grooves) and securing features (elastic pin body, snap holes) into one component that replaces multiple separate elements including external clamp devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap pin mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: positioning the fitting connector, securing the connection, and providing easy release capability. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate positioning devices and clamp devices, reducing device complexity while maintaining connection stability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If tools are used to adjust the pipe clamp device in concealed spaces, then the connection stability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to limited space for tool usage
Solution Approach 1:
The snap pin mechanism is self-servicing and does not require external tools for assembly or adjustment. The elastic snap pin can be manually inserted and positioned into the snap holes and grooves without requiring any tools, making the operation extremely simple and suitable for concealed spaces where tool usage is difficult.
Solution Approach 2:
The need for external clamp devices and adjustment tools is completely extracted from the system. The connection stability is achieved through the inherent snap-fit mechanism of the positioning snap pin and positioning features, eliminating the requirement for any external tool-based adjustment devices.
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
Enables quick and stable pipe connections by reducing assembly difficulties in small or concealed spaces, improving convenience and stability through the snap-in mechanism of the U-shaped positioning snap pin.
Implementation Method 1
both sides of which are extended downward by two pin body parts in an elastic way
Data Source
AI summary
A quick connect structure having a fitting connector, a connector, and U-shaped positioning snap pin. The fitting connector has a connector part, a fitting connector body part coupled to the connector part, and a fitting part coupled to the fitting connector. The connector part, the fitting connector body part, and the fitting part define a fitting hole extending therethrough, and the fitting part defines positioning groove, a longitudinal snap hole, and a side snap opening in communication with the longitudinal snap hole. The connector has a connection end, a connector body part coupled to the connection end, and a positioning bump. The connection end and the connector body part define a duct hole extending therethrough, the connection end defines a positioning snap groove, and the fitting connector is configured to accept the connection end in the fitting hole. When the connection end is fully inserted into the fitting connector, the positioning bump is located in the positioning groove, and the longitudinal snap hole is aligned with the positioning snap groove. The U-shaped positioning snap pin has a pin base, a pin body part coupled to the pin base, and a snap protrusion coupled to the pin body part. The U-shaped positioning snap pin is configured to be partially inserted and fully inserted into the longitudinal snap hole; when partially interested, the snap protrusion engages the side snap opening and the connector is able to be inserted into the fitting connector; and when fully inserted and when the connector is inserted into the fitting connector, the pin body part engages the positioning snap groove and the snap protrusion engages a longitudinal snap hole exit.