Guided Pilot Connector With Visual Locking for Tube Seal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for tubes in fluid piping systems face challenges such as difficult installation, connection errors, and potential loss of the wire retainer, along with inconsistent fluid-tight seals due to insufficient endform insertion and interaction with the wire retainer.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a guided pilot with an indicator piece and guide members that slide into channels, urging a retention clip into a spread condition and then retracting to a relaxed state, ensuring proper alignment and secure engagement of the tube endform, while preventing contact with the wire retainer during insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wire retainer is used to secure the tube endform, then the connection is secured, but the installation becomes difficult requiring considerable force and the retainer may be lost when transferred to open position
Solution Approach 1:
A pilot component is introduced as an intermediary element that guides the tube endform during insertion. The pilot features a tapered surface that facilitates easy insertion by leading the endform through the retention clip and into proper position, eliminating the need for excessive force while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention clip is pre-positioned in a closed position that guides the endform during insertion. The clip's structure is prepared in advance with engagement arms and a closed configuration that automatically captures and secures the endform as it is inserted, simplifying the installation process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple orientations are applicable between endform and connector, then versatility is improved, but the number of connectors that must be made available increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector design incorporates a universal receptacle structure that can accommodate endforms in multiple orientations. The retention clip and pilot are designed with symmetrical or multi-orientation compatible features, allowing a single connector type to serve multiple orientation requirements rather than requiring separate connectors for each orientation.
3Ease of operation
If the endform is insufficiently inserted into the connector, then assembly is easier, but the seal lacks engagement causing leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The pilot includes an indicator feature that provides visual feedback to the assembler. When the endform is properly inserted and the retention clip is fully engaged, the indicator becomes visible or changes position, confirming that sufficient insertion has occurred and the seal is properly engaged, eliminating guesswork in the assembly process.
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
This design simplifies the assembly process, reduces connection errors, ensures a reliable fluid-tight seal, and prevents the wire retainer from being lost by visually indicating when the tube is securely coupled, thus enhancing the overall connection reliability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
A retention clip having legs is urged into a spread condition during a transition between the mounting position and the final position
Data Source
AI summary
A connector and process for coupling a tube and the resulting assembly is disclosed. A receptacle includes a pilot in a mounting position. The pilot including an indicator piece and guide members each located in a respective channel on the receptacle and slidable within the channels from the mounting position to a final position. A retention clip having legs is urged into a spread condition during a transition between the mounting position and the final position wherein in the final position the legs of the retention clip retract to a relaxed condition, the indicator piece becomes visible on the receptacle and the first and second guide members latch the pilot to the receptacle.