Fluid Coupling Detection Sleeve for Visual Locking Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid couplings for motor vehicle fuel lines are difficult to verify as properly locked without using tools like torches and mirrors, due to obscured visibility of the locking state.
Innovation Solution
A fluid coupling design featuring a detection sleeve with engagement portions that move from a hidden to a visible position when the counterpart is fully inserted, allowing for easy visual confirmation of the locking state without tools, utilizing elastically deformable components and a guide rail for axial guidance and detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the blocking member is arranged inside the receptacle to secure the counterpart, then the locking function is achieved, but the visibility of the locking state deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A detection element is introduced as an intermediary between the blocking member and the external observer. This detection element is coupled to the blocking member's position and translates the internal locking state into an externally visible signal, allowing the locking status to be detected without direct line of sight to the blocking member itself
Solution Approach 2:
The detection element creates a visible copy or representation of the blocking member's position. Instead of observing the blocking member directly, the user observes the detection element which replicates the locking state information in a visually accessible form, such as through a window or external indicator
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the detection element is moved axially to indicate locking state, then the visibility improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection element is merged with existing structural components of the fluid coupling rather than being a separate additional component. The detection element is integrated into the receptacle or housing structure, sharing space and functions with other parts, thereby minimizing the increase in overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The detection element serves multiple functions: it indicates the locking state visually, and may also serve as a guide for the counterpart during insertion, or as part of the sealing structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function
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
Enables simple and reliable visual verification of the locking state without the need for tools, ensuring proper connection and reducing installation complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a detection sleeve, which is axially movably arranged in the receptacle and which comprises at least one first engagement portion, which, when the counterpart is inserted, can come into engagement with the blocking rib of the counterpart such that the detection sleeve is moved axially out of an initial or original position
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid coupling for fuel lines in motor vehicles, includes a housing having a receptacle for a counterpart, a blocking member in the receptacle and engageable behind a blocking rib of the counterpart to fix the counterpart in the receptacle, and a detection sleeve axially movable in the receptacle, and having a first engagement portion, which engages with the blocking rib to move the detection sleeve axially into a detection position, and at least one second engagement portion arranged behind the first engagement portion and, when the counterpart is pulled out, engages with the blocking rib to move the detection sleeve out of the detection position, into the initial position, and the detection sleeve includes at least one detection portion (64), received within the receptacle in the initial position so the detection portion is not visible from the outside and, in the detection position, visibly protrudes from the receptacle.