Quick Connector Retainer That Reveals a Data Matrix on Full Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connectors for fluid lines require person-dependent visual verification to ensure proper connection, which is inefficient and may not be feasible in certain applications.
Innovation Solution
A fluid line quick connector with a retainer and data matrix that allows remote verification of connection status through a data matrix that is obscured or revealed based on the retainer's position, enabling automated and robotic inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual verification methods are used to confirm proper connection, then connection status can be verified, but the process requires person-dependent manual inspection which reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated optical scanning system that reads data matrices on quick connectors. A scanner automatically detects and reads the data matrix code, eliminating the need for person-dependent visual verification while maintaining reliable connection status confirmation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a data matrix code as a digital copy or representation of the connection status information. Instead of requiring direct visual inspection of the physical connection, the system reads the encoded information from the data matrix, which contains verification data about the connection state.
2Reliability
If manual visual inspection is required for connection verification, then connection status can be confirmed, but the process cannot be automated for robotic assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes manual visual inspection with an automated scanning system that uses optical sensors to read the data matrix code on the quick connector. This enables robotic assembly lines to automatically verify connections without human intervention, achieving both reliable confirmation and full automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The data matrix code serves as an intermediary carrier of connection status information. The scanning system reads this intermediate digital representation rather than directly inspecting the physical connection, enabling automated verification while maintaining accurate connection status confirmation.
3Extent of automation
If data matrix is always visible for scanning, then automated detection is enabled, but the retainer cannot provide obstruction-based verification feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the data matrix dynamically visible or hidden based on the retainer's position. When the retainer moves to a specific position indicating proper connection, the data matrix becomes visible for scanning. This dynamic visibility provides automated detection capability while encoding connection status feedback through the visibility state itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the presence or absence of visual obstruction (analogous to color/visibility changes) to encode connection status information. The retainer's position controls whether the data matrix is visible or obscured, creating a visual feedback mechanism where the visibility state communicates connection status to the automated scanning system.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid line quick connector has a retainer and a data matrix. The retainer is caused to move via a spigot upon insertion of the spigot within the fluid line quick connector. The data matrix is obstructed by the retainer when the spigot is not inserted in the fluid line quick connector, and is revealed when the spigot is inserted in the fluid line quick connector. When obstructed, a suitable reading and scanning of the data matrix cannot take place. And when revealed, in contrast, a suitable reading and scanning of the data matrix can occur.