Quick Connector Verifier for Full Tube Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Quick connector systems for tubes often result in partial or incomplete connections due to insufficient insertion of the male end form, leading to potential leaks and safety hazards, and existing verification methods are unreliable or require additional tools, which can increase complexity and space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A quick connector coupling design featuring a female connector body with a retainer and verifier system, where the verifier is integrated to ensure proper insertion of the male end form by flexing outward to confirm full engagement and provide a visual signal of a secure connection without the need for additional tools or increased length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the retainer is designed with a relatively large longitudinal space to receive the bead, then the likelihood of proper connection is increased, but the overall length of the coupling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The verifier is nested within the retainer structure, with the verifier positioned inside the longitudinal space of the retainer. This allows the verification function to be integrated without increasing the overall coupling length, while still providing sufficient space for the bead to be properly received and verified.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing length in the longitudinal dimension to provide verification space, the patent uses the radial dimension by incorporating the verifier as a radially extendable component within the existing longitudinal envelope. This allows verification functionality without compromising compactness.
2Measurement precision
If an independent verification tool is used to confirm proper insertion, then verification accuracy is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The verification function is merged with the retainer structure itself. The verifier is integrated into the retainer assembly, combining the retention and verification functions into a single unified component rather than using separate independent tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical retention of the bead and simultaneously incorporates the verifier to provide verification of proper insertion. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate verification tools.
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
Ensures a reliable and visually verified proper connection between tubes, reducing the risk of leaks and eliminating the need for separate verification tools, while maintaining a low profile and compact design.
Implementation Method 1
the verifier is integrated to ensure proper insertion of the male end form by flexing outward to confirm full engagement
Data Source
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AI summary
A quick connector coupling includes a hollow female connector body having an internal bore defining a longitudinal flow axis, the connector body including an entry end having an entry opening for receiving a male end form introduced axially in a forward insertion direction. The coupling further includes a pair of windows defined by the entry end and disposed on opposite lateral sides of the entry end and a retainer member defined by a base and a pair of spaced-apart holding portions extending upwardly from the base, the base disposed below the connector body. The pair of holding portions extends through the windows, wherein the retainer has a nominal shape and is flexible and resilient such that the retainer is biased toward its nominal shape in response to being flexed. A verifier member is coupled to the entry end, the verifier including an actuating portion disposed above the entry end of the connector body and the windows, the verifier including a pair of legs extending downwardly from the actuating portions on each side of the entry end and extending into the windows. The verifier includes a pair of feet extending inwardly from the bottom of the corresponding legs and into the windows. The verifier is operable between a first position and a second position, the verifier being biased towards the first position.