Quick connect pipe fitting systems and methods

A method of assembling a pipeline system, comprising:

• aligning a first connector bore defined by a female fitting connector in a first pipeline component with a second connector bore defined by a male fitting connector in a second pipeline component, wherein the female fitting connector comprises:
• a base portion that defines the first connector bore, a connector cavity, and a ledge that extends part way into the connector cavity;
• a retainer ring disposed within the connector cavity of the female fitting connector, wherein the retainer ring comprises a ring protrusion on an inner surface of a leading ring end of the retainer ring and a ring lip;
• and
• a spacer ring disposed in the connector cavity of the female fitting connector to facilitate securing the retainer ring in the connector cavity at least in part by maintaining the ring lip on the retainer ring interlocked with the ledge;
• and
• securing the male fitting connector to the female fitting connector at least in part by:
• inserting a leading connector end of the male fitting connector into the connector cavity defined in the female fitting connector;
• and
• engaging the retainer ring of the female fitting connector with an outer surface of the male fitting connector to facilitate fluidly connecting the first pipeline component and the second pipeline component via the first connector bore of the female fitting connector and the second connector bore of the male fitting connector without using a discrete threaded fastener or hot tooling.

A system, comprising:

• a female fitting connector that defines a connector cavity, wherein:
• the female fitting connector is configured to be secured to or integrated with a first body of a first pipeline component;
• and
• the female fitting connector comprises:
• a retainer ring disposed within the connector cavity, wherein the retainer ring comprises a ring lip;
• a base portion that defines a first connector bore, the connector cavity, and a ledge that extends part way into the connector cavity;
• and
• a spacer ring disposed in the connector cavity to facilitate securing the retainer ring in the connector cavity at least in part by maintaining the ring lip on the retainer ring interlocked with the ledge;
• and
• a male fitting connector that defines a second connector bore, wherein:
• the male fitting connector is configured to be secured to or integrated with a second body of a second pipeline component;
• and
• the male fitting connector is configured to be disposed within the connector cavity of the female fitting connector such that the retainer ring in the female fitting connector interlocks with an outer surface of the male fitting connector to facilitate fluidly connecting the first pipeline component and the second pipeline component via the first connector bore of the female fitting connector and the second connector bore of the male fitting connector.