Fluid Connection Device with Positional Locking Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection devices for fluid transfer lines, particularly in fuel injection rails, face issues with secure locking mechanisms that can be inadvertently disengaged when the male end is outside the female end, leading to uncertainty in proper alignment and locking.
Innovation Solution
A connection device with elastically deformable locking and releasing means integrated with the male end piece, which prevents locking until the male end is correctly positioned within the female end, and features protrusions to provide tactile feedback and audible signals for correct alignment, ensuring secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the locking member is made movable around the male end piece, then the connection can be locked and unlocked, but the locking member can be inadvertently disengaged when the male end is outside the female end
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by requiring the male end to be inserted into the female end before the locking member can be actuated. The positioning means (protrusions and recesses) must be engaged first, which prevents the locking member from being moved until proper alignment is achieved. This sequence ensures that locking only occurs when the connection is properly established, eliminating the risk of accidental disengagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary anti-action through the positioning means that must be engaged before the locking member becomes movable. The protrusions on the male end must align with recesses in the female end, creating a mechanical interlock that prevents premature or accidental movement of the locking member. This preliminary engagement creates a counter-action that blocks unintended locking/unlocking operations.
2Ease of manufacture
If the locking mechanism is simplified, then the device is easier to manufacture, but it becomes difficult to determine when proper alignment and locking have been achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback through tactile and audible signals provided by the positioning means. When the protrusions on the male end engage with the recesses in the female end, the operator receives immediate feedback through a tactile click and/or audible signal, confirming proper alignment. This feedback mechanism allows the operator to verify correct positioning without complex instrumentation, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while solving the detection problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes visual indicators (such as colored rings or markings) that change position or become visible when proper alignment is achieved. These color changes provide clear visual feedback to the operator, indicating when the male end is correctly positioned relative to the female end, without adding mechanical complexity to the manufacturing process.
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
Enhances operational safety and ease of use by ensuring the connection is only locked when the male end is properly aligned, providing a clear indication to the operator through tactile and auditory cues, thus preventing accidental disengagement.
Implementation Method 1
means for locking and releasing the locking member which are integral with the male end piece and are elastically deformable by bending in contact with an inlet end of said face
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a connection device for a fluid transfer line, a fuel injector return circuit incorporating it, and a method for mounting/dismounting this device in a female fitting for connection to a male fitting included in this device. This connection device comprises a male fitting (1), a connection means (21a) to be mounted around and adapted to fit into a groove (13) of the female fitting, and a locking member (30) for this means in the female fitting to be mounted around the male fitting to reversibly bring this means into a locked position in the groove.According to the invention, the device includes locking and releasing means (9A, 9B) of the member attached to the male end and elastically deformable by bending in contact with an inlet end (12) of the female end, these means being adapted to prevent the connecting means from being brought into the locking position until the male end occupies a predetermined insertion position in the female end and, only if the male end has reached this position, to release the member by allowing its movement towards the female end so that a push on this member brings the connecting means into the locking position.