Fluid Quick Connect Assembly With Visual Lock Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid connection assembly designs are difficult to assemble, prone to disconnection, and lack tamper-resistant features, which can lead to hazardous refrigerant leaks.
Innovation Solution
A locking, tamper-resistant fluid quick connect assembly with visual connection verification, featuring a collar with balls that engage the tube end form to secure it within the connector body, and a tamper detection feature that indicates unauthorized disconnection attempts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a retaining clip is used to secure the tube to the connector body, then the connection is secured, but the assembly force required is very large and the retaining clip is difficult to install properly
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining clip is divided into two separate components: a collar that receives the tube and a connector body that houses the locking mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing assembly force requirements while maintaining connection security.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar is pre-assembled with the tube end form before attachment to the connector body. This preliminary assembly ensures proper positioning and alignment, eliminating the difficulty of installing a thin retaining clip under high force conditions.
2Device complexity
If the retaining clip is made thin and small to reduce size, then the connection assembly is compact, but the retaining clip is easily lost if dropped or misplaced
Solution Approach 1:
The collar and connector body are merged into a single integrated assembly that cannot be separated once locked. This eliminates the risk of losing the retaining component, as the locking mechanism is built into the connector body itself rather than being a separate small clip.
3Device complexity
If conventional fluid connection assembly designs are used, then the structure is simple, but the assembly can be easily disconnected allowing hazardous refrigerant release
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism includes a detent and groove feature that prevents the collar from being removed from the connector body. This preliminary anti-action counteracts any attempt at unauthorized disconnection before it can occur, blocking the path to potential refrigerant release.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual indicator provides feedback on the locked state of the connection. When the collar is properly secured to the connector body, the indicator becomes visible, confirming to the operator that the connection is secure and cannot be easily disconnected.
4Ease of manufacture
If current fluid connection assembly designs are used, then the manufacturing process is straightforward, but there is no visual indication that full engagement has been achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The visual indicator uses color change to communicate the engagement status of the connection. When the collar is fully engaged with the connector body, the indicator displays a specific color that provides immediate visual confirmation of proper assembly, eliminating uncertainty without complicating manufacturing.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A fluid connection assembly, including a connector body, including a first end, a second end, a first through-bore, a first radially outward facing surface including at least one aperture extending from the first radially outward facing surface to the first through-bore, and at least one engaging element arranged in the at least one aperture, and a collar connected to the connector body, the collar including a radially inward facing surface engaged with the first radially outward facing surface and including at least one pocket extending radially outward therefrom, and a second radially outward facing surface.