Quick Connector Redundant Latch for Insertion Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connector couplings lack a reliable mechanism to ensure the male member is fully inserted and securely retained, as the primary retainer can be accidentally unlocked when the male member is pulled forward or rotated, leading to potential unintended release of the fluid connection.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a redundant latch/verifier mechanism that can only be moved to its latched position when the male member is fully inserted, providing a physical and visual indication of proper insertion and preventing unintentional release by independently retaining the male member in the connector body, even if the primary retainer fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a primary retainer mechanism is used to secure the male member in the connector body, then the connection can be established quickly, but the connection can be accidentally unlocked when the male member is pulled forward or rotated
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer mechanism is divided into two independent segments: a primary retainer for quick connection and a redundant latch/verifier for security. Each segment performs a distinct function - the primary retainer enables rapid coupling while the redundant latch prevents accidental disconnection, allowing both quick operation and high reliability without requiring a single complex mechanism to do both
2Reliability
If a redundant latch/verifier mechanism is added to prevent accidental unlocking, then the connection security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The redundant latch/verifier is integrated with the primary retainer mechanism by combining them into a single retainer assembly that uses common structural elements such as the connector body, slots, and beams. This merging approach allows the secondary security function to be added while sharing existing components, thereby reducing the overall complexity increase that would result from completely separate mechanisms
3Reliability
If the redundant latch/verifier is positioned to provide visual indication of full insertion, then the reliability of insertion verification is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The redundant latch/verifier serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical retention of the male member, offers visual verification through its latched/unlatched positions, and acts as a backup security mechanism. This multi-functionality allows a single component to handle verification, retention, and safety without requiring separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
A quick connector coupling (110) comprising a connector body (112), a tubular male member (114) with an upset (190), a primary retainer (116) and a separate redundant latch/verifier (118). The connector body (112) defines a through bore (126) and the male member (114) extends into the bore (126). The primary retainer (116) releasably secures the male member (114) within the connector body (112). The redundant latch/verifier (118) is releasably coupled to the connector body (112) and movable between an unlatched position and a latched position. It includes spaced apart fingers (222) with verifying tabs (242) that permit movement to the latched position only after full insertion of the male member (114). The fingers (222) have release tabs to manually spread the extension beams (240). In another form, the connector body (112) includes locking pads extending radially inward. The legs (196) of the primary retainer (116) are located inward of the locking pads preventing the legs (196) from moving to a released position if said male member (114) is pulled in a direction to remove it from the connector body (112).