Fluid Line Connector With Lock-Release Indicator Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Quick connectors used in fluid connections, especially in cramped spaces, lack a mechanism to verify the secure locking of the plug-in and receiving units, leading to potential detachment or leakage under axial forces or vibrations, as the locking cannot be visually confirmed.
Innovation Solution
A connection unit with a release element that transitions from a holding to a release state upon insertion, accompanied by an indicator element that can be detached and used for documentation, ensuring the user confirms a secure connection without visual inspection, and designed to ensure locking occurs before indicator release, even in unfavorable tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a quick connector is used to enable easy connection in cramped spaces, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates because locking cannot be verified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing an indicator element that is prepared in advance to show the locking state. The indicator element is pre-positioned on the plug-in unit or receiving unit to visually indicate whether locking has occurred, allowing verification before the connection is fully established.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color changes as a visual indication mechanism. The indicator element changes its visible state (such as color or position) to communicate the locking status to the user, enabling verification of the connection without requiring direct inspection of the locking mechanism itself.
2Device complexity
If no visual verification mechanism is provided, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to undetected connection failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color changes or visual state changes of an indicator element to provide reliable connection verification. The indicator element is designed to change its appearance (color, position, or visibility) based on the locking state, offering a simple yet effective way to communicate connection security without adding complex verification mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by designing the indicator element to automatically indicate the locking state without requiring external verification tools or complex inspection procedures. The connection unit itself provides the verification information through the indicator element, eliminating the need for additional verification devices or procedures.
3Reliability
If a sealing element is added to ensure fluid-tight connection, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to increased pull-out resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the sealing function from the locking mechanism. The sealing element is integrated into the connection structure in such a way that it provides fluid-tight sealing while allowing the locking and detachment functions to remain independent and operable without excessive resistance.
Data Source
AI summary
A connection unit for connecting fluid lines, including a plug-in unit connectable to a first fluid line not belonging to the connection unit, defining a first fluid flow channel in its interior, and a receiving unit connectable to a second fluid line not belonging to the connection unit, defining a second fluid flow channel in its interior. The plug-in unit and the receiving unit are connectable to establish a fluid connection between the first and second fluid flow channels. The connection unit also includes a release element transferrable from a holding state to a release state upon insertion of the plug-in unit into the receiving unit up to a predetermined depth, and an indicator element formed separately from the release element and locked by the release element in the holding state. The indicator element is detachable from the connection unit when the release element is in the release state.