Quick Connector Lock Indication for Verified Seating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connect couplings lack visual and tactile indications to confirm proper seating and locking of the male adapter within the female housing, relying solely on the 'snap' of a spring clip for insertion verification.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a ring system with visual and tactile indicators, including pockets and projections on the female housing and a rotating twist ring, as well as an external sliding indicator ring, to provide clear confirmation of the male adapter's engagement and locking status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring clip locking mechanism is used, then the male adapter is securely locked in the female housing, but there is no visual or tactile indication to confirm proper seating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms including a rotatable ring that provides tactile resistance changes and visual markers, and an indicator mechanism that displays the locked status. These feedback systems allow the user to confirm proper seating and locking of the male adapter without ambiguity, resolving the information loss problem while maintaining reliable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components such as the rotatable ring and indicator mechanism that mediate between the locking mechanism and the user. These intermediaries translate the internal locking state into observable and tactile signals, enabling the user to verify proper seating without directly observing the locking components.
2Ease of operation
If visual and tactile indicators are added to confirm proper seating, then user confidence in connection status is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable ring serves multiple functions: it acts as a locking component, provides tactile feedback through resistance changes, offers visual indication through markers, and prevents rotation when properly locked. By combining multiple functions into a single component, the patent enhances ease of operation without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the locking mechanism with the indication system. The rotatable ring is integrated with the locking spring clip mechanism, and the indicator mechanism is combined with the housing structure. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device while providing both visual and tactile feedback.
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 secure engagement and locking of the male adapter with visual and tactile feedback, enhancing user confidence in the connection status and preventing misalignment or improper seating.
Implementation Method 1
A spring clip of metal or a like spring material is positioned on the housing between the sealing ring and the entrance to the housing. As the male adapter is inserted into the housing the adapter advances through and beyond the O-ring, the O-ring expands to form a fluid tight seal between the adapter and the housing. At the same time, the legs of the clip are urged outwardly.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick connector assembly includes a male adapter portion (24) having an end and a groove (62) formed therein spaced from the end. The male adapter portion has a through bore. A female housing portion (22) has a body having a through bore generally concentrically aligned with the male adapter portion through bore. A ring (26) cooperates with the female housing portion and the male adapter portion. The ring is in a first position when the male adapter is engaged with the female housing and a second position, different from the first position, when the male adapter is other than engaged with the female housing. The first and second positions can be visually different from one another.