Dual-Latch Fluid Line Coupling for Secure Connector Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid line connectors lack a reliable mechanism to ensure a secure connection, as they may not be fully inserted or may become loose, leading to leakage or failure in fluid conveyance.
Innovation Solution
A latch system that includes a primary latch for securing the connector to the port and a secondary latch that ensures the primary latch is engaged, featuring a latch arm and lock tab to guarantee a fully secured connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a quick connector is used for convenient assembly and disassembly, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of secure connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is divided into two independent latches (first latch and second latch) that operate separately but work together to secure the connector. Each latch can be engaged or disengaged independently, allowing the system to maintain reliability even if one latch fails, while still providing quick connection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The first latch is designed to engage automatically when the connector is inserted, providing preliminary securing action before the second latch is engaged. This preliminary engagement ensures that the basic connection is established and secured before additional latching occurs, preventing incomplete insertion.
2Device complexity
If a single latch mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of connection security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is divided into two independent latches (first latch and second latch) that operate separately but work together to secure the connector. Each latch can be engaged or disengaged independently, allowing the system to maintain reliability even if one latch fails, while still providing quick connection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The second latch is positioned within the connector body and works in conjunction with the first latch that engages with an external feature. The nested arrangement allows both latches to occupy compact space within the connector assembly, providing enhanced security without significantly increasing external dimensions or operational complexity.
3Productivity
If the connector allows quick insertion, then productivity is improved, but risk of incomplete insertion or loosening increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first latch is designed to engage automatically when the connector is inserted, providing preliminary securing action before the second latch is engaged. This preliminary engagement ensures that the basic connection is established and secured before additional latching occurs, preventing incomplete insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual latch system provides tactile and visual feedback to the operator during the connection process. As the connector is inserted, the operator can feel and see the first latch engage, then the second latch engage, confirming that the connection is complete and secure. This feedback mechanism ensures proper insertion without requiring additional tools or complex procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A latch system and method for a fluid line coupling. The latch system includes a coupling that has a connector and a port that provide the coupling as a mating fluid connection. A primary latch secures the connector to the port. A secondary latch secures the connector to the port and ensures the primary latch is engaged. The secondary latch includes a latch arm that is movable into the connector, and that ensures the primary latch is in a latched position. The secondary latch includes a lock tab on the latch arm. The lock tab engages the connector to lock the secondary latch in the connector.