Fluid Line Quick Connector With Latch-Gated Data Matrix Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connectors for fluid lines lack efficient and automated methods to verify proper connections, often requiring manual visual inspection and physical interaction, which can be cumbersome and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A fluid line quick connector with a housing, primary and secondary latches, and a data matrix that allows remote verification of connection status through a data matrix scanner, concealed or revealed based on the secondary latch's position, enabling automated and repeatable detection of proper connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual visual inspection is used to verify quick connector connections, then physical interaction and viewing by assembler/inspector is required, but the process becomes cumbersome and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection (mechanical system requiring physical interaction) with an automated optical scanning system. A data matrix code on the quick connector is scanned by an automated device, eliminating the need for physical viewing and interaction by assemblers or inspectors, thereby improving both reliability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a data matrix code that contains information about the quick connector connection. Instead of directly inspecting the physical connector, the system reads the copied information encoded in the data matrix, enabling automated verification without physical interaction with the connector itself.
2Extent of automation
If a data matrix is added to the quick connector for automated verification, then remote verification capability is enabled, but the data matrix may be concealed when the latch is open
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the data matrix dynamically visible or concealed based on the latch position. When the latch is in the closed position, the data matrix is visible for scanning; when the latch is open, the data matrix is concealed. This dynamic visibility ensures that automated verification only occurs when the connection is properly made, while preventing false scans when the connection is open.
3Productivity
If the data matrix is always visible, then automated scanning can occur at any time, but the connector may allow scanning when improperly connected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a feedback mechanism where the latch position controls data matrix visibility. The system only allows scanning (verification) when the latch is closed, providing feedback that the connection is properly made. This prevents false verification of improperly connected components while maintaining efficient automated processing.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid line quick connector serves to join fluid lines together in vehicle applications, as well as in industrial-manufacturing, aircraft, marine, and agricultural applications, among other possibilities. The fluid line quick connector has a retainer assembly with a primary latch and a secondary latch. A data matrix is provided, and can he in the form of a quick response (QR) code, as an example, in use, when the secondary latch is in the open position, the data matrix is partially or more concealed. And when the secondary latch is m the closed position, the partial or more concealment is absent and the data matrix can be properly read.