Quick Connector Radial Latching Indicator Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connectors in pressurized fluid circuits lack sufficient assurance of proper latching, risking leakage and accidental disconnection, as current latching techniques do not reliably indicate when the male part is fully inserted into the female part, and existing solutions complicate fabrication or require additional parts.
Innovation Solution
A quick connector design featuring a female part with a stepped bore and a latching indicator that slides radially between two positions, obstructing or not obstructing a through orifice, ensuring the ring is behind the collar for secure latching, without requiring special openings or additional parts, and incorporating a blocking member to prevent incorrect indicator positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a latching indicator is located downstream from the latching member and operated by the collar, then proper latching can be demonstrated, but special openings are required in the female part which weakens it and complicates fabrication
Solution Approach 1:
The latching indicator is merged with the ring structure itself, eliminating the need for separate indicator components and special openings in the female part. The ring's radial movement between positions inherently provides the indication function, combining structural and indication roles into a single element.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring serves multiple functions: it acts as both the latching mechanism (blocking the collar) and the indication mechanism (visual feedback through its position). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate indicator components and simplifies the overall structure.
2Reliability
If the indicator is driven by an accessory entrained by the male part, then latching indication is achieved, but the connector becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The latching and indication functions are merged into the ring structure itself. The ring's radial movement between positions inherently provides the indication function without requiring separate indicator components or accessories, simplifying the overall connector design.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring serves multiple functions: it acts as both the latching mechanism (blocking the collar) and the indication mechanism (visual feedback through its position). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional accessories or complex drive mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the latching indicator is positioned to be operated by the collar, then proper connection can be confirmed, but the female part requires special openings that complicate fabrication
Solution Approach 1:
The latching and indication functions are merged into the ring structure itself. The ring's radial movement between positions inherently provides the indication function without requiring separate indicator components or special openings in the female part.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring's position automatically provides latching indication without requiring separate indicator mechanisms or special openings in the female part. The structure serves its own indication function through its inherent radial movement between latched and unlatched positions.
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
Guarantees a secure connection by visually confirming proper latching and preventing accidental disconnection, simplifying fabrication and ensuring the connector is unchanged except for the modified ring with the indicator, enhancing operational safety and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
A resilient member constituted by two tongues made integrally with the ring is interposed between the ring and the female part and urges the ring towards its first position after the collar has passed through
Data Source
AI summary
A quick connector including a female part with a stepped bore arranged to receive an endpiece and a collar of a male part, and a latch including a ring in a housing arranged in the female part to slide radially between an eccentric position and a position coaxial with the bore, and the latch including a latching indicator mounted to slide radially in the ring between two indication positions, and at least one blocking member for blocking the indicator in a first indication position, the blocking member being movable between an indicator-blocking position and a retracted release position, and having a contact portion projecting into the female portion beyond the latch to co-operate with the collar in such a manner that the collar takes the blocking member into its release position when the male part is inserted into the female part.