Assurance Cap Installation Sensing for Leak-Safe Fluid Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid connectors rely on visual indicators and human verification, which can be unreliable for ensuring full insertion and proper sealing, leading to potential leaks due to misalignment or incomplete seating of tubular connectors.
Innovation Solution
A fluid connector assembly with a tapered surface and radially extending shoulder, a resilient clip, and an assurance cap with latch fingers that engage a latch groove only when the tubular member is fully inserted, combined with a tool using optical and induction sensors to ensure proper installation of the assurance cap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If visual indicators and human verification are used to ensure full insertion, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of insertion verification deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual verification with an automated sensor system. Optical sensors detect the position of the assurance cap, and inductive sensors verify the presence of the tubular member, automatically determining full insertion without requiring human visual inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system provides real-time feedback about the insertion status. The optical sensor detects whether the assurance cap has reached its final position, and the inductive sensor confirms tubular member presence, enabling automated verification and control of the insertion process.
2Reliability
If assurance cap with latch fingers is used to provide secondary latching force, then the reliability of connection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The assurance cap is pre-installed on the tubular member before insertion into the fitting body. The latch fingers are pre-positioned to engage with the latch groove, ensuring that when the tubular member is fully inserted, the latching action occurs automatically without requiring additional manual steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism is self-actuating based on the insertion position. When the tubular member is fully inserted, the assurance cap automatically engages the latch groove through the latch fingers, providing self-verifying latching without external intervention or complex control systems.
3Measurement precision
If optical and induction sensors are used to verify assurance cap position, then the measurement precision of insertion status is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines optical sensing and inductive sensing into a single integrated verification system. The optical sensor detects the assurance cap position while the inductive sensor simultaneously verifies tubular member presence, merging multiple verification functions into one coordinated system that reduces overall complexity compared to separate verification systems.
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
Ensures reliable full insertion and sealing of tubular members by providing a secondary latching force and using sensors to verify the correct position of the assurance cap, reducing the likelihood of leaks and eliminating the need for separate installation and verification tools.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor which detects whether the assurance cap is properly positioned
Implementation Method 2
an inductive sensor which detects whether the connector body is properly positioned
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for installing an assurance cap on a fluid connector assembly, the fluid connector assembly including a connector body including a resilient clip and a tubular member operatively arranged to be connected in the connector body, the tool including an annular groove arranged to engage an end of the assurance cap and a proximity sensor operatively arranged to detect the position of the tool relative to the connector body.