Quick Connector Collar That Reveals Indicia on Full Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connector mechanisms require precise angular alignment for verifying a fluid-tight connection, making assembly difficult and obstructing the view of verification indicia.
Innovation Solution
A female quick connector with a movable collar and latch system that exposes indicia upon full insertion, using a spring to move the collar from a concealed to an exposed position, and a secondary lock mechanism to maintain visibility of the indicia, independent of angular alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If verification indicia are made viewable through a window or cutout in the connector members, then connection verification is achieved, but proper angular alignment is required which makes assembly more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is made movable along the body of the female connector member, transitioning from a first position that obscures the indicia to a second position that exposes them. This dynamic element allows the verification system to adapt its state based on connection status without requiring angular alignment, resolving the contradiction between reliable verification and ease of assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The collar acts as an intermediary element between the verification indicia and the viewer. By moving this intermediary component rather than requiring alignment of the entire connector assembly, the system achieves reliable verification while maintaining ease of operation
2Measurement precision
If keyed or splined connector members are used to ensure alignment for viewing indicia, then verification accuracy is improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment function is extracted from the connector members themselves and transferred to the movable collar. This allows the main connector bodies to remain simple without keyed or splined features, while the collar provides the necessary positioning mechanism to expose the indicia for verification
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using static alignment features like keys or splines, the system employs a dynamic collar that moves to the appropriate position when the connection is made. This dynamic approach achieves precise indicia exposure without adding complex structural features to the connector members
3Ease of operation
If a movable collar with spring mechanism is used to expose indicia, then alignment requirements are eliminated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism automatically urges the collar from the first obscured position to the second exposed position when the release member is actuated by connection. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external actuation or complex control systems, achieving ease of operation with a relatively simple spring-loaded design
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
Facilitates easy assembly and ensures clear indication of a completed fluid-tight connection without alignment constraints, providing both human and machine-readable verification.
Implementation Method 1
a spring for urging the collar to a second position in which the indicia is fully exposed when the latch is released
Data Source
AI summary
A female quick connector member for making fluid-tight connections includes a body having indicia and an axial opening for receiving and lockingly engaging a male quick connector member, a collar positioned over the body, a latch for holding the collar in a first position that conceals the indicia prior to coupling of the male and female connector members, a spring for urging the collar to a second position in which the indicia is fully exposed when the latch is released, a release member engageable by the male connector member and configured to release the latch when the male connector member is lockingly engaged with the female connector body.