Fluid Coupling Retainer with Locking Arm Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid coupling systems for automobiles are complex and lack a simple, reliable, and hassle-free mounting method, which complicates their structure and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A coupling system with a retainer leg positioned in a coupling body side receiving slot, featuring a locking element that secures the retainer in a locking position, indicating a mounted state through a crossbar receptacle, and utilizing a retainer with elastic spring sections and locking arms for secure engagement with the male member, ensuring reliable fluid sealing and easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a retainer with verification element is combined as known from EP 1 719 944 B1, then proper connection indication is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the retainer and verification element into a single integrated component. The retainer legs serve both the retention function and the verification function through their positioning relative to the coupling body, eliminating the need for separate verification elements and reducing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it retains the male member in the coupling body and provides verification of proper connection through the positioning of its legs in receiving slots. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
2Reliability
If multiple locking mechanisms are added to secure the retainer, then reliability of connection is improved, but the mounting process becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locking elements are pre-positioned on the retainer legs before assembly. During the mounting process, the retainer legs automatically engage with the receiving slots in the coupling body, and the locking elements automatically engage with complementary locking elements, eliminating the need for separate locking actions and simplifying the mounting process.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer design enables self-locking during assembly. As the retainer is inserted into the coupling body, the locking elements automatically engage with the complementary locking elements in the coupling body, providing secure retention without requiring additional manual locking operations.
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 simplifies the coupling system's structure, enhances reliability, and facilitates one-handed assembly while ensuring secure fluid connection and redundancy in securing the male member within the coupling body, preventing unintended retainer removal.
Implementation Method 1
whereby the retainer features a crossbar, on which crossbar are attached two spaced retainer legs, whereby between the retainer legs at least one locking arm is attached to the crossbar
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling, for a fluid line, having a retainer and a coupling body defining a throughbore extending from an inlet opening at a male member reception end which functionally receives a male member. The retainer has a crossbar, with two spaced retainer legs, and at least one locking arm. The retainer is mounted in a moveable manner to the coupling body in radial direction in relation to the throughbore. In a starting position when the male member is not or not fully inserted into the coupling body, one free end of a retainer leg rests upon a blocking surface on the coupling body blocking the retainer from shifting into a locking position, whereby the crossbar is in the starting position, protruding out of the coupling body. At least one free end of a retainer leg is positioned in a receptacle slot in the coupling body when the male member is functionally received into the coupling body and the retainer is shifted into a locking position, whereby the crossbar is essentially positioned in a crossbar receptacle of the coupling body in order to indicate the mounted state. The locking arm features a locking element, which in the starting position, interacts with a complementary locking element on the coupling body securing the retainer releasably within the coupling body.