Fluid Connection Collar With Visual Lock Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid connection assembly designs are difficult to assemble, prone to disconnection, and lack tamper-resistant features, which can lead to the release of hazardous refrigerants or other fluids.

Innovation Solution

A fluid connection assembly with a retainer that prevents disassembly, includes a visual connection verification system, and reduces the insertion force required for assembly, featuring a collar with engaging elements and a detent system for secure locking and tamper detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a retaining clip is used to secure the tube to the connector body, then the connection is secured, but the assembly force required is very large and the retaining clip is difficult to install properly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidassembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining clip is divided into two separate components: a collar that rotates on the connector body, and a retaining ring that is pressed onto the tube. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the collar provides rotation control and the retaining ring provides secure engagement with the tube shoulder, eliminating the assembly difficulties of a single integrated clip

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining ring is pre-installed onto the tube during tube manufacturing, before the tube reaches the connector assembly. This preliminary action ensures proper positioning and orientation of the retaining ring on the tube, eliminating the difficulty of installing the retaining clip onto the connector body during final assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If the retaining clip is made thin and small to fit in the connector body, then it can be integrated into the design, but it is easy to lose if dropped or misplaced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign integrationVSAvoidcomponent retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the retaining function into two distinct components (collar and retaining ring), each component can be made larger and more robust than a single integrated thin clip. The retaining ring can be clearly seen and easily handled during assembly, eliminating the risk of losing small thin clips

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The collar includes a visual indicator that changes color or position to show when the retaining ring is properly engaged with the tube shoulder. This visual feedback ensures correct assembly without requiring the retaining components to be extremely small or complex

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Ease of operation

If existing fluid connection assembly designs are used, then assembly is simpler, but they can be easily disconnected allowing hazardous refrigerant release

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidrefrigerant release risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The rotating collar with its engagement features with the connector body crevice creates a mechanical lock that prevents unauthorized or accidental disconnection. This preliminary anti-action mechanism is built into the design to counteract any attempts at tampering or improper disassembly, protecting against refrigerant release

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining ring is designed as a sacrificial component that can be easily replaced if damaged or tampered with, while the main connector body and tube remain intact. This approach provides tamper resistance without requiring complex expensive locking mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Reliability

If tools are used for the assembly process, then secure connection is achieved, but assembly time increases and tool requirements add complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The assembly process is designed to be self-servicing - the retaining ring is pre-installed on the tube, and the collar rotates freely to engage with the connector body and lock the tube in place without requiring any external tools. The visual indicator automatically shows when proper engagement is achieved, eliminating the need for tools or complex assembly procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12222056B2Tamper resistant fluid connection assembly with visual connection verifier

Publication Date: 2025.02.11 OTIKER NJ INK

AI summary

A fluid connection assembly, including a connector body, including a first end, a second end, a first through-bore, a first radially outward facing surface including at least one aperture extending from the first radially outward facing surface to the first through-bore, and at least one engaging element arranged in the at least one aperture, and a collar connected to the connector body, the collar including a radially inward facing surface engaged with the first radially outward facing surface and including at least one pocket extending radially outward therefrom, and a second radially outward facing surface.