Quick Connector Integrating Sensor for Fuel System Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing quick connectors in vehicular fuel systems require separate sensing elements, which increase component count, potential leakage paths, and design complexity, complicating diagnostics and control functions.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a sensor within the connector body that includes an accessory housing with a cavity for various sensing mechanisms, allowing for fluid communication and electrical connection to signal processing circuitry, reducing the need for additional components and connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If separate sensing elements are added to the fuel system, then system parameter monitoring capability is improved, but component quantity and design complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem parameter monitoring capabilityVSAvoidcomponent quantity and design complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is integrated directly into the connector body, merging the sensing function with the existing connector structure. This eliminates the need for separate sensing elements and their associated mounting hardware, thereby reducing component quantity while maintaining monitoring capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector body is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides fluid connection and simultaneously houses the sensing element for parameter monitoring. This multi-functionality approach allows the same component to perform both connection and sensing tasks, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If separate sensing elements are added to the fuel system, then system parameter monitoring capability is improved, but potential leakage paths increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem parameter monitoring capabilityVSAvoidpotential leakage paths

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the sensor within the connector body rather than adding separate sensing elements, the number of connection points and potential leakage paths is reduced. The sensor utilizes the existing sealed fluid path of the connector, avoiding additional sealing interfaces that could become leakage sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If sensing elements are added to components such as the fuel tank flange, then system parameter monitoring capability is improved, but design requirements and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem parameter monitoring capabilityVSAvoiddesign requirements and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing function is merged into the connector body, which is an existing component in the fuel system. This approach is more manufacturable than modifying the fuel tank flange, as it utilizes the connector's existing structure and sealing mechanisms without requiring changes to other established components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector body itself serves as the housing for the sensing element, eliminating the need for separate mounting structures or modifications to other components. The connector's existing design features are leveraged to accommodate and seal the sensor, reducing additional design requirements and manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS7503784B2Quick connector

Publication Date: 2009.03.17 TI GROUP AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS LLC

AI summary

A quick connector with an accessory housing. The accessory housing receives a system sensing device such as an absolute pressure sensor or a differential pressure sensor in fluid tight relation to the housing. A receptacle portion is arranged to connector the sensor to measuring instrumentation.