Tube Connector Guiding Structure for Accurate Retainer Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current quick connect fluid connectors are complex to assemble and disassemble, prone to connection errors, and lack guiding components for proper orientation of the endform into a locking relation with the receptacle, leading to potential loss of retainer components.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a receptacle with a modular head and guiding components, including ribs and slots, that aligns and secures the endform into a socket with a retainer, ensuring proper orientation and locking, while a wire retainer captures the endform to prevent separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If guiding components are not provided, then the connector structure is simpler, but connection errors increase and proper orientation of endform into locking relation cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates guiding components (ribs and slots) that preliminarily orient the endform during the insertion process, ensuring proper alignment before the locking engagement occurs. This preliminary guiding action prevents connection errors and ensures accurate positioning of the endform into the locking relation with the receptacle.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding components act as intermediary elements between the endform and the locking mechanism. The ribs on the endform engage with corresponding slots in the receptacle, serving as a mediating structure that guides the relative motion and ensures proper orientation before the final locking engagement takes place.
2Reliability
If the retainer is completely separate from the connector, then assembly is easier, but the retainer may be lost in non-engaged position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the retainer with the connector body by providing a retainer mounting structure that integrally retains the retainer in place. The retainer is no longer a completely separate component but is instead mounted and secured to the connector, preventing loss while maintaining functional separation for engagement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer mounting structure serves as an intermediary that connects the retainer to the connector body. This mounting structure includes features such as mounting surfaces and retention mechanisms that securely hold the retainer in position, acting as a mediating structure between the retainer and the connector.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used, then each component can be optimized, but the number of assembly steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components into integrated structures where possible. For example, the receptacle integrates the locking mechanism and guiding features, and the connector body integrates the retainer mounting structure. This merging reduces the number of separate assembly steps while maintaining the ability to optimize individual functional elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs components with multiple functions to reduce the total number of parts. The receptacle serves multiple functions including receiving the endform, providing locking engagement, and incorporating guiding slots. The connector body provides both structural support and retainer mounting functionality. This multi-functionality reduces assembly complexity and improves productivity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A connector and a process for coupling a tube to another device is disclosed. The connector comprises receptacle for receiving an endform formed on an end of the tube. The receptacle includes a socket mated to a modular head. A retainer embraces the receptacle and has leg portions extending into a modular head opening. Guiding components located in the modular head opening and on the endform direct the endform through the modular head opening to the socket and into a locking relationship with the retainer.