Fluid Connector Assurance Cap for Full Insertion Latching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid connectors lack a reliable mechanism to ensure proper connection between a tubular member and a connector body, often resulting in incomplete insertion and potential fluid leakage, as the assurance cap cannot fully engage if the tubular member is not fully inserted.
Innovation Solution
A fluid connector design featuring a connector body with a bore, an exterior groove for the assurance cap, and a retainer clip that engages the tubular member's shoulder to lock it in place, along with primary and secondary latch mechanisms to ensure full insertion and secure the assurance cap, preventing radial expansion of the retainer clip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a resilient clip is used to lock the tubular member in place, then the tubular member can be secured when fully inserted, but the assurance cap cannot fully engage if the tubular member is not fully inserted, providing no reliable indication of proper connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an assurance cap as an intermediary component that mediates between the tubular member and the connector body. The cap provides a reliable visual indication of proper connection by its engagement status, solving the problem of uncertain connection reliability without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient clip is designed to automatically engage with the tubular member's raised shoulder when the tubular member is fully inserted into the connector body. This self-latching mechanism eliminates the need for additional manual locking operations, maintaining ease of operation while improving connection reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the tubular member is not fully inserted, then the resilient clip raised portions extend radially outward and interfere with assurance cap movement, but this provides no positive confirmation of proper latching
Solution Approach 1:
The assurance cap provides immediate visual and tactile feedback to the installer about the insertion status. When the tubular member is fully inserted, the cap can be fully pushed onto the connector body and will remain in place. When not fully inserted, the cap cannot be fully engaged, providing clear feedback without requiring additional steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The assurance cap is designed to be placed on the tubular member before insertion into the connector body. This preliminary positioning allows the cap to serve as a guide and indicator throughout the insertion process, ensuring proper alignment and providing continuous feedback on insertion status.
3Reliability
If multiple latch mechanisms are added to ensure full insertion, then connection reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the assurance cap component: it serves as an insertion guide, a visual indicator, and a secondary latch. By merging these functions into a single component rather than using separate mechanisms, the patent achieves high latching reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The assurance cap is designed as a multi-functional component that performs multiple roles: guiding insertion, indicating connection status, and providing secondary latching. This universal design approach achieves reliable full insertion assurance without requiring multiple separate components, thereby limiting complexity increase.
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
This design guarantees full insertion and secure latching of the tubular member, preventing fluid leakage and providing a visual indication of proper connection, while resisting disengagement forces.
Implementation Method 1
a retainer clip carried on the connector body and extending partially into the bore to engage a shoulder of the endform to lock the tubular member in the connector body
Implementation Method 2
a first exterior groove spaced from the first end and arranged for receiving one or more projections of an assurance cap for latching the assurance cap to the connector body when the tubular member is fully inserted into the bore
Implementation Method 3
a raised portion disposed between the first end and the first exterior groove, the raised portion extending radially outward from the outer surface
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid connector for coupling a tubular member having an endform spaced from a first insertion end to an external component, including a connector body, including a bore having a first end for receiving the tubular member, and a first exterior groove spaced from the first end and arranged for receiving one or more projections of an assurance cap for latching the assurance cap to the connector body when the tubular member is fully inserted into the bore.