GE Quick Connector Wedge

grabcad

GE's challenge calls for a connector assembly with two sliding wedges to lock onto a cavity. These wedges, which have a low taper angle, are pre-tensioned against a nitrile rubber gasket seal and ensure that pressure from within the assembly won't loosen them. The brick is supported in direct shear around the part, ensuring it can withstand 3 bar pressure. Design calculations back up this project, confirmed using FEA to show stress levels are within an assumed yield strength of 40MPa. The design brief requires explaining qualifications and expertise in this area. As a fully qualified engineer designing high-pressure hydraulic equipment, I may lack experience in plastic parts; however, the inclusion of calculations should prove the design's validity, leaving judgement to challenge organisers who will vet all designs before use, making design calculations redundant at this stage. I hope you enjoy it!