Permanent Quick Connector With Mechanical Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current quick connectors in automotive applications require costly electronic sensor mechanisms to ensure a reliable connection, which can lead to false indications of disconnection and unnecessary vehicle servicing.
Innovation Solution
A quick connector design featuring a locking mechanism with a radially outwardly extending annular collar and a retaining member with cantilevered locking members that form a permanent connection between the insertion member and the housing, eliminating the need for sensor mechanisms by ensuring a fluid/gas-tight seal and preventing inadvertent disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electronic sensor mechanisms are used to ensure reliable connection, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the electronic sensor mechanism from the quick connector system entirely. Instead of using sensors to detect and indicate connection status, the invention relies on a purely mechanical permanent locking mechanism that physically prevents disconnection, thereby eliminating the need for electronic monitoring components while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-activating and self-maintaining. When the insertion member is inserted, the locking members automatically engage with the collar to create a permanent connection. The system serves itself by using the insertion force to trigger the locking action, eliminating the need for external sensors or control systems to monitor connection status.
2Reliability
If electronic sensor mechanisms are used to monitor connection status, then connection monitoring is improved, but false indications and unnecessary servicing increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the electronic sensor and monitoring system that caused false disconnection indications. By replacing the sensor-based monitoring with a permanent mechanical locking mechanism, the system no longer generates false signals, as the physical connection state is unambiguously determined by whether the locking members are engaged with the collar.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention accepts that the locking members are single-use components that remain engaged permanently once activated. This disposable-like approach ensures that once the connection is made, it cannot be falsely indicated as disconnected, eliminating the need for complex monitoring systems that generate false information.
3Reliability
If permanent locking mechanism is used, then inadvertent disconnection is prevented, but ease of disassembly for service is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed with asymmetric engagement characteristics: easy insertion with automatic locking, but requiring deliberate destructive action for removal. The locking members can be easily engaged during assembly but require breaking or destroying to disengage, creating a one-way locking system that prevents inadvertent disconnection while allowing intentional service disassembly when absolutely necessary.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick connector and assembly therewith is provided. The connector includes a housing having a tubular housing wall with an inner surface extending between open opposite ends with at least one locking opening extending through the wall. The inner surface bounds a through bore and forms a radially inwardly extending shoulder. A retaining member has an annular retainer wall with inner surface sized for receipt about at least a portion of the housing wall. The retainer wall has at least locking member resiliently biased radially inwardly for receipt through the opening of the housing wall in axially spaced relation from the shoulder by a gap, in which the annular collar of the insertion member is received and locked. The at least one locking member is restrained against substantial axial and rotational movement within the at least one opening, and thus, prevents unwanted removal of the insertion member from the housing.