Quick Connector Sensor Housing Axial Snap-Fit Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connector assemblies require permanent incorporation of sensing elements, increasing manufacturing and assembly costs, and lack flexibility to accommodate various sensors, with prior designs being non-serviceable once a sensor and housing are interlocked.
Innovation Solution
A quick connector assembly featuring a sensor quick connector axially aligned with an auxiliary axis and a sensor housing with locking barbs for easy coupling, utilizing a snap-fit design that allows for quick and flexible sensor attachment without the need for permanent sensing elements, reducing assembly costs and time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensing elements are permanently incorporated into the housing, then the connection reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and assembly cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is divided into separate components: a sensor housing and a sensor quick connector. The sensor can be detached from the housing, allowing the housing to be reused with different sensors. This segmentation reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for permanent sensor incorporation while maintaining connection reliability through the quick connector mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor housing and quick connector are designed as reusable components that can be disconnected and reused. After the sensor completes its function, it can be removed and replaced with a different sensor while retaining the housing and connector, thereby recovering valuable components and reducing overall manufacturing costs.
2Stability of the object's composition
If sensing elements are permanently incorporated into the housing, then the connection stability is improved, but the adaptability to accommodate various sensors decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor quick connector is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of sensors. The standardized coupling mechanism allows different sensor models to be connected to the same housing, providing versatility while maintaining stable connections through the quick connector's locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick connector enables dynamic reconfiguration of the sensor system. Sensors can be easily added, removed, or replaced without permanent installation, allowing the system to adapt to different sensing requirements while maintaining connection stability through the designed coupling and decoupling mechanism.
3Loss of time
If a snap-fit design is used for sensor coupling, then the assembly time is reduced, but the serviceability after interlocking decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The quick connector incorporates self-latching features that automatically secure the sensor to the housing upon insertion, eliminating the need for additional fastening steps. The design includes self-aligning elements that guide the sensor into the correct position, reducing assembly time while maintaining serviceability through the reversible snap-fit mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
A quick connector assembly (20) includes a coupling housing (22) having a fluid quick connector (34) disposed about an end (24) and a sensor quick connector (40) axially aligned with an auxiliary axis (A2). A sensor housing (42) is insertable along the auxiliary axis (A2) to couple a sensor with the coupling housing (22). The sensor quick connector (40) includes at least one leg (48) and the sensor housing (42) includes a locking barb (44) extending radially outwardly to flex the leg (48) during axial movement of the sensor housing (42). The leg (48) includes a mechanical stop (54) and the locking barb (44) includes a shoulder (70) for engaging the mechanical stop (54) to establish an interlocked position of the housings (22, 42) and prevent rotational movement of the sensor housing (42) about the auxiliary axis (A2).