Lockable Fluid Transfer Device With Wedging Guide Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid transfer connection devices for motor vehicles suffer from imperfect locking due to radial and axial assembly play, and lack a precise locking indicator for the pin with respect to the male end's projection.
Innovation Solution
A connection device featuring a female tubular connector with a U-shaped locking pin and guide grooves that ensure the pin can only be locked in place when the male end is properly inserted, providing a visual indicator of correct locking and minimizing assembly play through radial and axial wedging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pin locking mechanism is used in known connection devices, then the connection can be locked, but the locking is imperfect due to radial and axial assembly play between the female connector and male end
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pre-locking position that must be achieved before the pin can be locked. The male end must first be inserted to a pre-locking position where the projection is located behind the pin wings, then the pin can be moved to the locked position. This preliminary positioning action ensures that the components are properly aligned before locking, eliminating the assembly play issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces guide means (such as guide grooves or guide surfaces) as an intermediary mechanism between the male end and the pin. These guide means ensure that the male end is correctly positioned in the pre-locking position before the pin can be locked, thereby eliminating radial and axial assembly play through controlled guidance rather than relying on tight tolerances alone.
2Device complexity
If a simple pin locking mechanism is used, then the device structure remains simple, but there is no means to ensure correct locking or provide a locking indicator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides visual feedback through the positioning of the pin relative to the male end projection. When the male end is correctly inserted to the pre-locking position and the pin is locked, the projection is located behind the pin wings, providing a visible indication of correct locking. This feedback mechanism allows users to verify proper locking without adding complex electronic or mechanical indicator systems.
3Ease of operation
If the pin can be freely moved between extended and retracted positions, then the locking mechanism is easy to operate, but accidental disengagement may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary anti-action through the pre-locking position requirement and the geometric relationship between the projection and pin wings. The male end must first be inserted to position the projection behind the pin wings before the pin can be locked. This preliminary positioning prevents accidental disengagement by ensuring that the components are properly engaged before locking occurs, while still allowing easy operation through the simple extended/retracted pin movement.
Data Source
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AI summary
The device (1) has a metal locking pin (6') whose spigot end is mounted on a female connector (3). The connector comprises guiding units formed of a groove (11) and radial inner and outer ramps (12, 13) for guiding ends of the pin radially formed on an outer side of a wall. The ends of the pin cooperate with each other to authorize a passage of the pin in a locked position if the spigot end is inserted into the connector in a pre-locking position. The connector comprises an anti-lock stop formed by an upper edge (13a) when the spigot end is not in the pre-locking position relative to the pin. An independent claim is also included for a method for locking a flexible or rigid fluid transfer tube connection device.