Quick Connector Assembly With Positive Latch Confirmation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connector assemblies for fluid lines lack a reliable and intuitive mechanism to confirm secure attachment, often relying on redundant latches that may not provide sufficient assurance of a sealed and secure connection.
Innovation Solution
A quick connector assembly featuring a primary and secondary latching mechanism with a blocking member and biasing elements, providing both physical and visual confirmation of a secure connection through a redundant locking system that prevents unintentional separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a redundant latching mechanism is used to secure the male member in the female connector, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is divided into two independent components: a primary retainer and a secondary retainer. Each retainer functions independently to provide secure attachment, with the primary retainer engaging first during insertion and the secondary retainer providing additional security. This segmentation allows each component to be simple in design while collectively providing high reliability through redundancy.
2Reliability
If a blocking member is added to prevent unintentional separation, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member is pre-positioned within the female connector to automatically engage with the male member during the insertion process. As the male member is inserted, the blocking member moves from an initial blocking position to a final secured position, providing preliminary prevention of unintentional separation before the user even completes the attachment. This eliminates the need for additional user actions to secure the connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking member is designed to automatically perform its blocking function without requiring user intervention. During insertion, the male member's movement automatically actuates the blocking member into its secured position, and during detachment, the user's pulling action automatically overcomes the blocking member's resistance. The system serves itself by using the natural forces of insertion and extraction to control the blocking member's state.
3Loss of information
If visual and tactile indication features are incorporated, then the loss of information is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer components incorporate visual indicators that change appearance based on their engagement state. When the primary and secondary retainers are properly engaged with the male member, visual features such as colored indicators or visible positioning elements show a distinct state, providing immediate visual confirmation to the user that the connection is secure. This eliminates the need for complex electronic or mechanical indication systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual and tactile indication features are passively integrated into the retainer structures themselves. The retainers' own positions and configurations serve as the indicators - their engaged or disengaged states naturally provide tactile feedback through their physical arrangement, and visual feedback through their visible features. The system uses its own operational state to provide indication without requiring separate indication mechanisms.
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 securely attached and easily detachable fluid connection with visual and tactile indications, enhancing the reliability and user confidence in the connection's integrity.
Implementation Method 1
A primary retaining member having an abutment surface and a biasing member, the primary retaining member slidably disposed within the transverse opening for movement between an engaged position and a disengaged position
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a quick connector assembly for joining a male member and a female connector member together to secure fluid communication in a fluid line system. The quick connector assembly includes a primary latch and a secondary latch configured to toggle between engaged and disengaged positions and to allow for a visual, audible, and/or tactile indication as to the status of a secure attachment between a male member and a female connector member.