Quick Connector Locking Sleeve for Visible Connection Confirmation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connectors often fail to indicate correct connection, leading to potential disconnection and fluid leakage, as the locking mechanism may not ensure proper engagement between the male and female connectors.
Innovation Solution
A quick connector design featuring a locking leg that moves axially and transversely during insertion, accompanied by a shielding sleeve that initially conceals and then exposes an indication part when the locking leg reaches its locking position, allowing for confirmation of correct connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is provided in the quick connector, then the connection reliability is improved, but the ability to indicate correct connection is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
A shielding sleeve is introduced as an intermediary component between the locking mechanism and the external environment. The shielding sleeve translates the internal locking leg movement into an external visible indication by moving from a first position (hiding the indication part) to a second position (exposing the indication part), thus mediating the information transfer about connection status.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding sleeve provides visual feedback about the locking status by exposing or hiding the indication part based on the locking leg position. When the locking leg moves to the locked position, it drives the shielding sleeve to expose the indication part, giving the user immediate feedback that the connection is secure.
2Ease of operation
If the locking leg moves automatically during insertion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the ability to confirm correct locking is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding sleeve acts as a mediator that converts the automatic locking leg movement into a visible confirmation signal. The user does not need to manually check the locking status; the shielding sleeve automatically translates the locking leg position into an observable indication, providing confirmation without adding operational steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The indication part may utilize visual changes (such as color changes or visibility changes) to communicate the locking status. When the shielding sleeve moves to the second position, the indication part becomes visible or changes appearance, providing clear visual confirmation that the automatic locking has occurred.
3Device complexity
If no indication mechanism is provided, then the device complexity is reduced, but the risk of incorrect connection is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The indication function is segmented from the main locking mechanism into a separate visual indication system consisting of the shielding sleeve and indication part. This segmentation allows the locking mechanism to remain simple while adding a dedicated, simple visual feedback component that provides reliable connection confirmation without complicating the core locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding sleeve serves as a simple intermediary component that adds indication capability without significantly increasing overall system complexity. It is a straightforward mechanical linkage that translates locking leg movement into visible feedback, providing a cost-effective and simple solution to the reliability problem.
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 design effectively identifies correct connection by exposing an indication part only when the locking leg is in the locking position, preventing subsequent loosening and fluid leakage due to incorrect connections.
Implementation Method 1
the locking leg being configured to automatically move from an unlocking position to a locking position due to mechanical interference with the plug-in member during the insertion of the plug-in member into the connector body
Implementation Method 2
the shielding sleeve is configured to be actuated by the locking leg and moved relative to the connector body during the axial movement and the transverse movement of the locking leg
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A quick connector is provided and includes: a connector body (102) for a plug-in member to be inserted therein, the connector body including an indication part (120); a locking member (104) including a locking leg (116) for locking the plug-in member to the connector body, a movement of the locking leg from an unlocking position to a locking position including an axial movement along the insertion direction of the plug-in member and a transverse movement toward the locking position along a transverse direction of the connector body; and a shielding sleeve (122) sleeved outside the connector body. The shielding sleeve is actuated by the locking leg and moved relative to the connector body during the axial and transverse movements. The shielding sleeve is in an initial position when the locking leg is in the unlocking position and in an indication position when the locking leg is in the locking position.