Automotive Fluid Line Quick Connect with Exterior Snap Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick-connect systems for automotive fluid systems face challenges in providing reliable, easy-to-verify connections in high-volume manufacturing environments, particularly in noisy and vibration-filled conditions, where internal snap features are difficult to perceive, and require complex electronic sensing or additional components.
Innovation Solution
A 360° exterior snap feature made from high-strength engineering plastic provides visual feedback through a 'red flag' indicator, ensuring complete engagement and high reliability without the need for electronic devices, using molded stave members and a tension band for secure connection and easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If internal snap features are used for connection verification, then the connection reliability is improved, but the ease of detection deteriorates in noisy and vibration-filled environments
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions the snap feature from an internal, hidden position to an external, visible position on the connector housing. This dimensional change allows the snap feature to serve dual purposes: maintaining connection reliability while providing visual detectability through color-coded indicators that are visible from the outside of the connector assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs color-coded snap features (e.g., red flags) that are visually distinct and easily detectable. The color change or color presence serves as an immediate visual indicator of connection status, allowing operators to verify proper engagement without relying on tactile or auditory feedback that may be masked by environmental noise and vibration.
2Measurement precision
If complex electronic sensing devices are used for connection verification, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly performs its own verification function through externally visible snap features and color-coded indicators. The design eliminates the need for separate electronic sensing devices by making the connection status self-evident through the visual appearance of the connector, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining verification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention provides immediate visual feedback through color-coded indicators that show whether the connection is properly engaged. This feedback mechanism is built into the connector structure itself, eliminating the need for complex electronic sensing and processing systems while providing clear, unambiguous connection verification.
3Reliability
If additional components are added for connection verification, then the reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the verification function into the existing connector structure by incorporating color-coded snap features directly into the housing or connector body. This integration eliminates the need for separate verification components, reducing part count and manufacturing complexity while maintaining reliable connection verification through the unified design.
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
The solution achieves high reliability and cost-effectiveness in quick-connect systems by allowing easy verification of connection completion through visual cues, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs compared to prior solutions.
Implementation Method 1
The clip sections each include a hook that snaps over an external lug on the receiver to complete a connection between the fluid lines so that the resilient seal is compressed between the cylindrical sleeve and the tip of the second fluid line.
Implementation Method 2
A snap retainer comprises a plurality of molded stave members and a tension band. The tension band is secured over the collar sections to retain the stave members on the tip of the second fluid line
Data Source
AI summary
A quick connect system for joining two fluid lines has a receiver with a first end mounted to a first line, a center section to receive a tip of a second line, and a second end defining a cylindrical sleeve spaced from the second line. A snap retainer comprises a plurality of molded stave members and a tension band. Each stave member extends longitudinally from a collar section to a clip section. The stave members are arranged cylindrically to define a socket to receive the cylindrical sleeve. The tension band is secured over the collar sections to retain the stave members on the second line with the clip sections cantilevered over the tip. The clip sections each includes a hook that snaps over an external lug on the receiver so that a resilient seal is compressed between the cylindrical sleeve and the tip of the second fluid line.