Split Retainer Fluid Connection for Tool-Free Tight Spaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid connection designs are difficult to secure due to the small confines of appliance interiors and require tools, and the barbed tubes are susceptible to failure due to size and material brittleness, as well as the distribution of radial force from hose clamp designs.
Innovation Solution
A retainer for a fluid connection assembly is designed with a first and second section that can be locked together using male and female connectors, with a radially inward facing surface featuring a rib and a radially outward facing surface, allowing for quick assembly and serviceability without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If barbed tubes and hose clamps are used for fluid connections, then the connection can be secured, but the assembly requires tools and is difficult to secure in small appliance interiors
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is divided into two separable sections (first section with first male/female connectors, second section with second male/female connectors) that can be assembled together to lock the sections. This segmentation allows the retainer to be installed in sections, making it easier to work with in confined spaces while maintaining secure connection when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer acts as an intermediary component between fluid connectors, providing a locking mechanism with male and female connectors that join the two sections together. This intermediary structure enables tool-free assembly while ensuring reliable connection security.
2Ease of manufacture
If barbed tubes are used for fluid connections, then the connection can be made, but the tubes are susceptible to failure due to size and material brittleness
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer sections are designed with connectors that engage with each other, changing the structural parameters of the connection system. This provides a more durable alternative to brittle barbed tubes while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular design.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional hose clamps are used, then the hose can be clamped, but the radial force distribution is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is segmented into two sections that lock together, distributing the clamping force more effectively around the hose circumference compared to traditional single-piece hose clamps. This segmentation improves radial force distribution while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A retainer (50, 150, 250) for a fluid connection assembly (10), including a first section (50A, 150A, 250A) including a first male connector (62, 162, 262) and a first female connector (78, 178, 278), a second section (50B, 150B, 250B) completely removable from the first section (50A, 150A, 250A), the second section (50B, 150B, 250B) comprising a second male connector (62, 162, 262) and a second female connector (78, 178, 278), a first end (52, 152, 252), a second end (54, 154, 254), a radially inward facing surface (58, 158, 258) including a radially inward extending rib (60, 160A, 160B), and a radially outward facing surface (56, 156, 256), wherein the first male connector (62, 162, 262) is arranged to engage the second female connector (78, 178, 278) and the second male connector (62, 162, 262) is arranged to engage the first female connector (78, 178, 278) to lock the first section (50A, 150A, 250A) to the second section (50B, 150B, 250B).