Fluid Connection Retainer With Visual Lock Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid connection assemblies require high insertion forces for assembly, necessitate post-process machining, and lack a clear indication of connection status, with retaining clips being difficult to install and prone to loss.
Innovation Solution
A retainer with a first and second section, a radially inward and outward facing surface, and an indicator slidably connected to the first section, which allows for quick assembly without tools and provides a visual indication of connection status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a retaining clip is used to secure the tube in the connector body, then the connection reliability is improved, but the insertion force required becomes very large and the assembly process becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is divided into two separate sections: a connector section that attaches to the connector body and a tube section that secures the tube. This segmentation allows the retainer to be installed in two stages, reducing the insertion force required while maintaining connection reliability through the distributed securing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector section of the retainer is preliminarily attached to the connector body before the tube section is secured to the tube. This preliminary action creates a stable base that reduces the force required for the final tube securing step and prevents the retaining clip from being lost during assembly.
2Reliability
If slots or apertures are machined in the connector body for the retaining clip, then the connection reliability is improved, but post-process manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the connector body by machining slots or apertures, the invention inverts the approach by providing the retainer with pre-formed engagement features that attach to the outer surface of the connector body. This eliminates post-process machining while maintaining reliable connection through the retainer's integrated securing mechanism.
3Device complexity
If the retaining clip is made thin and small to fit the connector, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in installation and risk of loss
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is segmented into two sections that can be handled and installed separately. The connector section can be attached first using standard tools, and the tube section can be secured afterward. This segmentation makes installation easier while maintaining the compact, low-complexity design of the overall device.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional connection assemblies are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the ability to indicate connection status is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer includes an indicator that changes its visual appearance (color or position) to indicate the connection status. When the tube is properly secured, the indicator displays a first visual state; when improperly secured, it displays a different visual state. This adds information indication without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
Data Source
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AI summary
A retainer for a fluid connection assembly, including a first end, a second end, a first section, a second section displaceable with respect to the first section, a radially inward facing surface, a radially outward facing surface, and an indicator slidably connected to the first section.