Tubular Coupling Clip Lock for Reverse Insertion Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tubular fitting devices for connecting pipes or conduits, particularly in the automotive cooling system, require the tip to be inserted into the main body for locking, which is not compatible with configurations where the main body needs to be inserted into the tip, limiting versatility and compactness.
Innovation Solution
A tubular connection device where the main body, equipped with a staple having flexible branches and guide elements, is inserted into a tubular tip with harpoons that engage the staple to secure the connection, allowing the main body to be inserted into the tip and providing a locking mechanism without requiring the tip to be inserted into the main body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the tip is inserted into the main body to activate the locking mechanism, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the device cannot accommodate configurations where the main body needs to be inserted into the tip, limiting versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The staple mechanism is designed to function in both insertion directions. The guide elements and harpoons are configured so that whether the tip inserts into the main body or the main body inserts into the tip, the staple can be actuated to engage the harpoons and create a secure locking connection. This universal design allows the same fitting device to accommodate multiple connection configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables the fitting to work in reverse of the conventional configuration. Instead of only the tip inserting into the main body, the design allows the main body to insert into the tip while the staple mechanism still functions to lock the connection. The guide elements and harpoon engagement are symmetrically designed to accommodate this inverted insertion sequence.
2Shape
If the tip is inserted into the main body for locking, then the locking mechanism functions properly, but the tubular fitting cannot achieve a compact shape
Solution Approach 1:
The staple and harpoon system is designed to provide reliable locking in both insertion configurations, allowing the choice of assembly direction to be optimized for compactness. Whether inserting tip-to-body or body-to-tip, the same locking mechanism ensures proper function, enabling the designer to choose the configuration that achieves the desired compact shape.
3Ease of operation
If the staple branches are kept tangent to the main body in the raised position, then the tip can be separated from the main body, but the guide elements must precisely control the staple movement between positions
Solution Approach 1:
The guide elements are designed to automatically guide the staple feet through the correct movement path from the pressed position to the raised position during disassembly. The geometric configuration of the guide elements and harpoons creates a self-guiding mechanism that reduces sensitivity to manufacturing tolerances, allowing the staple to naturally follow the intended trajectory without requiring extremely precise control.
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 a compact and versatile fluid connection configuration where the main body is inserted into the tip, ensuring secure assembly and disassembly, and preventing rotation or movement, thus addressing the limitations of prior art designs.
Implementation Method 1
a staple intended to straddle the main body, the staple having a head and two flexible branches
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
The invention relates to a tubular connection device (1) comprising: a tubular fitting (2); a main body (3) for insertion into the tubular fitting (2); a clip (4) for overlapping the main body (3), the clip (4) having a head (40) and two flexible arms (41) each terminating in a foot (42). The main body (3) is provided on its external surface with two main guide elements (31) for receiving the feet (42) of the clip (4), and for selectively positioning the clip (4) in a disconnected position (3) or in a locked position. The tubular tip (2) includes two harpoons (21) to respectively engage between the main body (3) and the flexible arms (41) of the clip (4) and retain the tubular tip (2) assembled to the main body (3) by gripping the arms (41) of the clip (4) when the clip (4) is in the locked position.