Quick Connector Locking Ring With Visual Lock Indication
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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 confirmation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a rotating twist ring with windows and a flexible catch element that moves between locked and unlocked states, providing visual and tactile cues for full insertion and locking, along with optional features like pockets and projections for enhanced alignment and indication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring clip is used to lock the male adapter, then the adapter is securely locked in the housing, but there is no visual or tactile indication that the adapter is fully inserted and locked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by providing visual (colored band visibility through windows) and tactile (protrusion engagement with pockets) indications that confirm the male adapter is fully inserted and locked. This allows the user to verify the locking status without relying solely on the spring clip mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color changes as an indication mechanism by incorporating a colored band on the male adapter that becomes visible through windows in the housing when the adapter is properly inserted. This provides immediate visual feedback on the insertion status.
2Device complexity
If the connector relies only on the spring clip snap, then the structure remains simple, but the user cannot confirm proper seating without tactile feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color changes as an indication mechanism by incorporating a colored band on the male adapter that becomes visible through windows in the housing when the adapter is properly inserted. This provides immediate visual feedback on the insertion status.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension of indication by incorporating windows in the housing that allow visual inspection of the insertion status. This transforms the confirmation from purely tactile to visual-tactile, improving ease of operation.
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 with clear visual and tactile feedback, preventing misalignment and ensuring the male adapter is properly seated and locked within the female housing.
Implementation Method 1
an inwardly oriented flexible catch element that, in a resting state, is flush with an outside surface of the female housing portion. Less than full insertion of the male adapter portion into the housing moves the catch element from the resting state into the window
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4B
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.