Fluid Connector Cartridge With Electrical Full-Engagement Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid connectors in automotive systems often provide a false indication of full connection due to the retaining clip snapping behind a protrusion, leading to partial connections and potential leaks, as the tube can get stuck without engaging the retaining clip, resulting in tube blow-off situations.
Innovation Solution
A fluid connector with a cartridge and electrical contact system that verifies full engagement by creating an electrical circuit between the tube and connector body, using conductive materials and isolating components to prevent false connections, and providing visual, auditory, or electronic feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a retaining clip is used to secure the tube, then the tube can be retained in the connector body, but the tube may appear fully connected when it is only partially connected, leading to false connection indication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using an electrical contact system that provides real-time information about the actual connection status. The electrical contact engages with the tube only when fully inserted, creating a circuit that signals proper connection, thus preventing false indication and enabling verification of connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electrical contact mechanism between the tube and connector body. This intermediary element serves as a mediator to verify and confirm the connection status, providing objective information about whether the tube is properly secured beyond the visual appearance of the retaining clip engagement
2Ease of operation
If the tube can be inserted freely into the connector body, then assembly is simple and quick, but the tube can get stuck without engaging the retaining clip, resulting in poor connection
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contact provides immediate feedback during the assembly process, allowing operators to verify proper tube insertion and retaining clip engagement in real-time. This feedback mechanism ensures manufacturing precision without complicating the assembly procedure, as the verification is automatically provided through the electrical circuit completion
Solution Approach 2:
The connection verification system is self-service in nature, automatically detecting and indicating proper connection status without requiring additional manual inspection steps. The electrical contact system self-verifies the connection quality, eliminating the need for separate precision checking operations
3Device complexity
If visual inspection is used to verify connection, then no additional components are needed, but false indication of full connection occurs when the retaining clip snaps behind a protrusion
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contact acts as an intermediary verification mechanism that provides objective measurement of connection status. Rather than relying on visual inspection alone, this intermediary element directly contacts the tube to confirm proper insertion and retaining clip engagement, significantly improving measurement precision while adding minimal complexity to the connector 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
Ensures positive identification of a complete connection through electrical continuity verification, preventing leaks and ensuring proper assembly, with self-contained detection within the connector body, and no need for additional components.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical contact at least partially embedded in the first radially inward facing surface... creates an electrical circuit between the tube and connector body, using conductive materials
Data Source
AI summary
A cartridge for a fluid connector including a connector body having a bore, and a tube, the cartridge including a first end, a second end, a first through-bore, a first radially outward facing surface, a first radially inward facing surface, and an electrical contact at least partially embedded in the first radially inward facing surface.