Quick Connector Socket Element Seal Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connectors face sealing flaws due to angular travel of plug elements with small outer diameters and large axial lengths, leading to inappropriate seal positioning and reduced seal lifetime, especially when the seal is needlessly biased in the uncoupled configuration.
Innovation Solution
A socket element with a movable slide-ring and pushing ring assembly that adapts the primary seal's housing length to the geometry of the plug element, reducing friction and wear by allowing the seal to deform and maintain optimal sealing, regardless of plug geometry, and incorporating an auxiliary seal for enhanced sealing and reduced coupling force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the seal is systematically compressed against a stop in the uncoupled configuration, then the seal is needlessly biased, but this causes increased friction and reduced seal lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the seal bias dynamic rather than static. The seal is only compressed against the stop when a plug element is coupled, not in the uncoupled configuration. This allows the seal to be unbiased during storage and transport, reducing friction and wear, while still providing reliable sealing when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares the sealing mechanism in advance by positioning the seal and stop appropriately, but only activates the compression when a plug element is present. The spring is pre-loaded to provide compression force, but this force is only transmitted to the seal when the plug element triggers the pushing ring mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the plug end-piece has a small outer diameter and large axial length, then the connector can accommodate various geometries, but angular travel occurs causing inappropriate seal positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pushing ring as an intermediary mechanism between the plug element and the seal. This pushing ring translates the axial movement of the plug element into radial movement of the seal, ensuring proper seal positioning regardless of the plug element's angular travel or geometry variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical contact between the plug element and seal with an indirect mechanism using the pushing ring and spring system. This substitution allows for smoother, more controlled seal positioning that is less sensitive to plug element geometry variations and angular travel.
3Ease of operation
If the seal rubs against the inner surface of the receiving body during coupling, then coupling is achieved, but the seal lifetime is limited due to friction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the pushing ring as an intermediary that facilitates the coupling operation. The pushing ring translates axial movement into radial seal engagement, allowing the seal to be compressed against the plug element rather than rubbing against the receiving body, thus reducing friction and wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the elastic spring and flexible seal design to enable smooth deformation and engagement during coupling. The spring provides gradual compression force, and the flexible seal deforms to engage with the plug element, reducing friction compared to rigid contact 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 ensures optimal sealing and extends the seal's lifetime by adapting to varying plug geometries, reducing friction, and minimizing the force required for coupling and uncoupling, while maintaining effective sealing across different plug dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic return element for returning the pushing ring in a forward direction, opposite the rear direction, relative to the socket body
Implementation Method 2
adapting the variable length of the housing... the deformation of the primary seal depending on the geometry, in particular the value of the outer diameter, of the plug element
Data Source
AI summary
This socket element (1) for a quick connector, for joining two fluid pipes (C1, C2), comprises a socket body (2) that is able to receive a plug element inserted along a rear direction (D2), a pushing ring (40), which is mounted translatably inside the socket body, an elastic return element (78) for the pushing ring, and a primary sealing gasket (64) housed in a housing (59) of the socket element and able to cooperate with the plug element inserted into the socket body. According to the invention, the socket element (1) further comprises a slide-ring (42) arranged around the pushing ring (40) and forming a bottom and a front wall (56) of the housing (59), the pushing ring forms a rear wall (57) of the housing (59), and the pushing ring (40) being translatable relative to the slide-ring (42).