Quick Connector Indicator Assembly for Compact Tube Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connectors are complex, costly to produce, and have a large axial extent, making them problematic for maintenance and repair in tight engine compartments, as they often require multiple moving parts that can be easily lost or damaged during assembly and disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A compact quick connector design where the retention unit and indicator are separate parts, fastened directly to each other outside the coupling body, reducing production costs and axial extent by eliminating the need for complex injection molding tools and minimizing the gap between retention legs and indicator limbs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the indicator and retention unit are separate parts fastened directly to each other, then the axial extent is reduced and production costs decrease, but the complexity of assembling and disassembling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator and retention unit are fastened directly to each other outside the coupling body, merging two functions into a single assembly unit. This eliminates the need for complex injection molding tools and reduces the axial extent while maintaining functional integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick connector is divided into distinct functional parts (retention unit, indicator, circumferential collar) that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. This segmentation allows for simpler production of each component while reducing overall axial extent.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple moving parts are used in the quick connector, then the indicator function can be achieved, but the parts can be easily lost or damaged during maintenance and repair
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator and retention unit are fastened together to form a single assembly unit that moves as one piece during maintenance operations. This merging prevents the indicator from being lost or damaged separately from the retention unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator and retention unit are pre-assembled outside the coupling body before installation. This preliminary assembly ensures proper positioning and prevents misassembly or loss of parts during maintenance and repair operations.
3Manufacturing precision
If the indicator limbs are prevented from moving further inside the coupling body by stop elements, then the preassembly position is maintained, but the indicator cannot be fully inserted
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator limbs are designed to be movable within defined limits, transitioning from a preassembly position (where stop elements prevent further movement) to a fully inserted position. This dynamic design allows the indicator to adapt its position based on assembly requirements while maintaining manufacturing precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Quick connector having a coupling body and a multifunctional part with a retention unit and an indicator. The coupling body includes a head portion at one end and a plug-in portion at the other end, the plug-in portion configured for attaching to a first tube, the head portion having an axial opening for introduction of a counterpart with a circumferential collar. The head portion has at least one radial opening for inserting the multifunctional part, the multifunctional part having a back for manual operation for the purpose of being inserted into the coupling body. The retention unit has two retention legs, and the indicator has two indicator limbs movable independently of the retention legs when inserting the circumferential collar. The indicator limbs and the coupling body are configured so that the indicator can be transferred from a partially inserted preassembly position to a fully inserted assembly position via movement of the indicator limbs.