Quick Connector Locker With Breakable Ring For Secure Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connector assemblies lack a reliable safety mechanism to prevent the locker from accidentally moving out of the engaged position, potentially leading to improper locking and safety risks, especially in applications like automotive fuel lines.
Innovation Solution
The design separates the functions of the outside and inside legs of the locker, with a spring mechanism and audible feedback upon engagement, ensuring the locker remains in the engaged position unless deliberately disengaged, and incorporates a visual cue for proper locking, preventing accidental detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the locker is designed to be movable between engaged and non-engaged positions for allowing insertion and withdrawal of the male end form, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates because the locker can accidentally move to the engaged position without the male end form being properly inserted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by requiring the male end form to be inserted into the housing before the locker can be moved to the engaged position. The ring structure prevents the locker from engaging until the male end form is properly positioned, ensuring that the locking action only occurs after proper insertion has been achieved.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the ring and its interaction with the locker) that mediates between the locker movement and the male end form insertion. This intermediary structure ensures that the locker cannot accidentally engage without the male end form being properly inserted, as the ring physically blocks the locker's engagement path until insertion is complete.
2Manufacturing precision
If the locker includes a ring that breaks to allow full insertion of the male end form, then the manufacturing precision is improved for ensuring proper insertion depth, but the loss of substance occurs due to the ring being broken
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the disposable principle to the ring component, which is designed to break during the insertion process. The ring serves its purpose of controlling insertion depth and then is discarded (broken) to allow complete insertion. This disposable approach ensures precise insertion control without requiring complex reusable mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the locker is designed to prevent movement to the engaged position until the male end form is inserted by a predetermined distance, then the reliability is improved for preventing premature engagement, but the device complexity increases due to the additional safety mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the safety prevention function with the existing locker and ring structure. Rather than adding a separate safety mechanism, the ring is integrated into the locker assembly, and its breaking action simultaneously achieves both the insertion depth control and the prevention of premature locker engagement. This merging approach maintains reliability while minimizing additional complexity.
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
This solution provides a loss-proof and reliable safety mechanism that ensures the locker remains engaged until intentionally disengaged, preventing accidental movement and ensuring proper sealing and locking of the male end form, enhancing safety and usability in assembly processes.
Implementation Method 1
The design separates the functions of the outside and inside legs of the locker, with a spring mechanism and audible feedback upon engagement
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A quick connector assembly for quickly connecting and establishing fluid communication between a male end form having a bead and a tube. The quick connector assembly includes a housing having a stem portion for receiving the hose and a female receiving portion for receiving the male end form. The quick connector includes a locker which is moveable between a non-engaged position for allowing the male end form to be inserted into or withdrawn from the quick connector assembly and an engaged position for trapping the male end form in the quick connector assembly. The locker includes a pair of outside legs, each having a notch, and the housing includes a pair of windows for receiving the notches when the locker is in the engaged position. The locker cannot be moved back to the non-engaged position until the outside legs are pulled outwardly, thereby disengaging the notches from the windows.