Quick Connector Latch Verification Using a Scannable Image
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional quick connectors often fail to verify proper engagement and locking, leading to leaks due to incomplete connections.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a scannable image on a latch member or connector portions that becomes readable only when a proper connection is made, using laser marking or die stamping to ensure a machine scanner can verify the connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional quick connectors are used without verification mechanisms, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of connection is poor leading to leaks
Solution Approach 1:
A scannable image (barcode, QR code, or other machine-readable pattern) is introduced as an intermediary verification element on the latch member. This image serves as a mediator between the mechanical connection state and the verification system, allowing reliable verification without fundamentally changing the connector's mechanical structure. The image acts as a carrier of connection status information that can be read by external scanning devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection or complex mechanical verification mechanisms with an optical/electronic scanning system. Instead of using additional mechanical sensors or verification components, the solution uses a scannable image that can be read by external devices, substituting mechanical verification complexity with a simpler optical recognition system.
2Reliability
If a scannable image is inscribed on the latch member, then the connection verification capability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring precision-machined verification features, the patent uses inscribed images (barcodes, QR codes, or other scannable patterns) that can be applied through printing or marking processes. These images are copies or representations of verification information that are more tolerant to manufacturing variations than precise mechanical features, reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining verification capability.
3Reliability
If the scannable image is only readable when properly latched, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to additional verification steps
Solution Approach 1:
The scannable image on the latch member provides self-verification capability. The connection status is automatically encoded in the visibility or readability state of the image itself, eliminating the need for separate verification actions. The system serves itself by using the latch member's own position to control the readability of its identification image, reducing the need for additional verification steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in the visual state of the scannable image (such as visibility, readability, or optical properties) to indicate connection status. This visual feedback mechanism provides immediate verification without requiring additional actions from the operator, maintaining ease of operation while improving reliability through automatic status indication.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick connector arranged to display a scannable image that verifies that engaging components of a quick connector have made a connection. A connector body includes an internal passage centrally located in the connector body adapted so that a pipe can be inserted into the passage. A latch member is located on the connector body that is movable from a pipe insertion position that facilitates the insertion of the pipe into the connector body internal passage, to a latch position that captures and retains the pipe to the connector body. A scannable image inscribed on the latch member is hidden and unreadable in the insertion position. Moving the latch member to the latching position captures the pipe and uncovers the scannable image which can read by a machine scanner to verify the connection.