Quick-Connect Fitting With Audible Lock for Leak-Proof Reuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waterway connections in appliance and plumbing applications often struggle to provide a leak-proof connection that is easy to disconnect and reconnect, leading to difficulties in assembly and disassembly, and resulting in consumer dissatisfaction and increased repair calls.
Innovation Solution
A quick-connect fitting assembly comprising a male fitting, a female fitting, and a clip, which forms a leak-proof connection and is releasable and reusable. The assembly includes an audible identifier that confirms the secure connection between the waterway components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior waterway connections were connected securely to provide a leak-proof seal, then the connection reliability improved, but the ease of disassembly deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly is divided into distinct components: a male fitting with a seal, a female fitting with a locking mechanism, and a separate clip. This segmentation allows the connection to be easily assembled and disassembled while maintaining a secure, leak-proof seal when connected, as each component performs its specific function independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system incorporates a dynamic locking mechanism where the clip can be easily attached and removed to secure or release the connection. The internal components include movable elements such as the seal that can deform and the locking features that can engage or disengage, enabling the transition between connected and disconnected states while maintaining reliability when connected.
2Ease of operation
If prior connections were made easy to disconnect, then the ease of operation improved, but the connection reliability deteriorated due to inadvertent loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The separation of the locking function (performed by the clip) from the sealing function (performed by the seal within the fittings) allows the connection to be easily disconnected by removing the clip while the seal remains intact within the fittings, preventing inadvertent loosening and maintaining connection security when connected.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip acts as an intermediary locking element that secures the male and female fittings together. It can be easily attached and removed to control the connection state, while the internal seal and locking features of the fittings themselves remain protected and cannot inadvertently loosen, thus providing both ease of operation and connection reliability.
3Productivity
If consumers disassembled prior connections themselves, then the productivity improved by avoiding service calls, but the manufacturing precision deteriorated resulting in improper reassembly and leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly is designed to be user-friendly for consumer self-service. The simple clip-based locking mechanism can be easily attached and removed by consumers without special tools or expertise. The design includes intuitive alignment features and an audible click to confirm proper connection, enabling consumers to successfully assemble and disassemble the connection themselves, improving productivity by avoiding service calls while maintaining manufacturing precision through foolproof design.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system incorporates an audible click or tactile feedback when the clip is properly attached and when the male fitting is fully inserted into the female fitting. This immediate feedback confirms to the consumer that the connection is properly assembled and secure, eliminating uncertainty and preventing improper reassembly, thus maintaining manufacturing precision even when consumers perform the assembly themselves.
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
The quick-connect fitting assembly provides a secure, leak-proof connection that is easy to disconnect and reconnect, reducing consumer frustration and repair costs while ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
The first leg protrusion and the second leg protrusion snap towards cach other into the recess of the male fitting upon fully advancing the male fitting into the female fitting
Data Source
AI summary
A quick-connect fitting that provides a leak-proof connection between two components of a waterway. The quick-connect fitting of the present disclosure is releasable and reusable for disconnecting and reconnecting the waterway connection. Moreover, the quick-connect fitting further comprises an audible identifier which identifies the quick-connect fitting has secured the waterway components to be connected.