Hinged Assurance Cap With Secondary Latches for Full Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid connector systems lack a reliable method to ensure full insertion and latching of tubular members, leading to potential leaks and installation errors due to incomplete connections.
Innovation Solution
An assurance cap with a hinged design and primary and secondary latch mechanisms, including circumferentially spaced primary latch fingers and stepped fingers, engages the connector body only when the tubular member is fully inserted, providing a visual and mechanical indication of complete connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple assurance cap is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of full insertion indication is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The assurance cap is divided into two separate body sections (first body section and second body section) that can be hinged together, allowing the cap to be opened for installation and closed for indication, thereby improving reliability through a more complex structure
Solution Approach 2:
The assurance cap incorporates a hinge mechanism allowing it to transition between open and closed positions, with latch fingers that can engage and disengage dynamically, providing reliable full insertion indication through movable components
2Reliability
If a hinged assurance cap with latches is used, then the full insertion assurance is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to additional latching steps
Solution Approach 1:
The latch fingers are designed to automatically engage with the connector body when the assurance cap is closed, eliminating the need for manual latching operations while maintaining reliable connection status confirmation
3Reliability
If the assurance cap is designed to latch securely, then the reliability of connection is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple latch mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple latch fingers are integrated into a single assurance cap structure, combining several latching functions into one unified component that provides secure connection without requiring separate latch mechanisms
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
Ensures full insertion and latching of tubular members, preventing leaks and installation errors by providing a secure and visual confirmation of the connection status, while resisting radial expansion of the retainer clip.
Implementation Method 1
a retainer clip carried on the connector body and extending partially into a bore in the connector body to engage the endform to lock the tubular member in the connector body
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of latch fingers extending from at least one of the first body section and the second body section, the plurality of latch fingers operatively arranged to connect the assurance cap to the connector body when the tubular member is fully inserted
Implementation Method 3
a second body section hingedly connected to the first body section via a hinge
Data Source
AI summary
An assurance cap, including a first body section including a first connector, a second body section hingedly connected to the first body section and including a second connector, and a plurality of latch fingers extending from at least one of the first body section and the second body section. In a closed position, the second connector is engaged with the first connector to lock the first body section to the second body section.