Fluid Connector Verification Sleeve for Leak-Safe Pipe Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for motor vehicle pipes often result in connection errors due to complex assembly processes, leading to leaks and high production costs, and fail to reliably display the correct connection between male and female plug-in parts.
Innovation Solution
A connector with a verification sleeve in the female plug-in part that blocks the male plug-in part in its unfixed state, which is axially moved upon insertion, releasing the retention and ensuring proper fixation, featuring a verification window for visual confirmation of the fixed state, and optionally colored for clear visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a retainer is used to fix the male connector to the female connector, then the connection reliability is improved, but the assembly complexity and force required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The verification sleeve is pre-positioned in the female connector to automatically block the retainer in the unfixed state. When the male connector is inserted, the verification sleeve is axially moved, automatically releasing the retainer to engage and fix the connection. This preliminary positioning and automatic action eliminates the need for complex manual assembly steps while ensuring reliable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The verification sleeve acts as an intermediary element between the male and female connectors. It mediates the connection process by blocking the retainer in the unfixed state and automatically releasing it during insertion. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the overall assembly process while maintaining connection reliability, as the verification sleeve controls the retainer's engagement without requiring additional complex mechanisms.
2Reliability
If verification devices are added to indicate correct connection, then the reliability of connection indication is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The verification sleeve is designed with different color zones (first color in the unfixed state, second color in the fixed state) that are visible through the verification window. This color change mechanism provides clear and reliable visual indication of the connection state without requiring additional complex verification devices. The simple color-coded system eliminates the need for sophisticated sensors or indicators while maintaining high reliability in connection status indication.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the verification sleeve is made visible through a verification window, then the ease of detecting connection state is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The verification window provides direct visual access to the verification sleeve, which displays different colors based on the connection state. This simple optical indication method greatly improves the ease of detecting whether the connection is fixed or unfixed without requiring complex sensors, electronics, or additional mechanisms. The color-coded visual system is intuitively understood and eliminates ambiguity in connection status detection.
Data Source
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AI summary
Connector for joining two fluid-carrying elements, in particular for joining two automotive pipelines, with a female connector and a male connector that can be inserted into the female connector. A retainer is attached to the female connector, which secures the male connector to the female connector. When the male connector is not secured, the retainer is blocked by a verification sleeve provided in the female connector. When the male connector is inserted into the female connector, the verification sleeve is moved axially in the insertion direction. This releases the retainer and secures the male connector to the female connector.