Quick Connector Service Handle for Secure Release in Tight Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicles present challenges in accessing and decoupling locking quick connect assemblies due to limited space, making it difficult for mechanics to disconnect fluid and gas lines efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A locking quick connect assembly with a supplemental latch component and twist lock retainer that allows for easy coupling and decoupling in tight spaces, featuring a handle for sliding movement between locked and unlocked positions, and a twist lock retainer arm that engages with the female segment to prevent inadvertent unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking quick connect assembly is designed with a secure locking mechanism to prevent inadvertent unlocking, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two independent functional segments: a twist lock retainer that rotates to lock/unlock the connection, and a supplemental latch component with a handle that slides to provide secondary locking. Each segment operates independently but works together to provide enhanced security without requiring complete redesign of the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The supplemental latch component is pre-positioned in a locked state during assembly, and the handle is designed to be manually actuated only when intentional unlocking is required. This preliminary positioning ensures the connection is secured before use, preventing inadvertent unlocking while maintaining simple operation when needed.
2Ease of operation
If a locking quick connect assembly is designed to be easily decoupled in tight spaces, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handle of the supplemental latch component is extracted as a separate, extended manual interface that protrudes from the main assembly. This allows the operator to grasp and actuate the latch from outside the tight connection space, eliminating the need to insert hands deep into confined areas while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The supplemental latch component acts as an intermediary mechanism between the operator's hand and the internal locking mechanism. By sliding the latch component along the female segment, the operator can indirectly actuate the twist lock retainer and release the connection without directly manipulating the internal components in the tight space.
3Ease of operation
If a supplemental latch component with handle is added to provide manual control in tight spaces, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supplemental latch component and handle are designed to be formed as a single integrated piece using injection molding or similar manufacturing processes. This merging of parts eliminates the need for separate manufacturing and assembly steps for the handle and latch body, reducing labor costs and simplifying production while maintaining the manual control functionality needed for tight spaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A locking quick connect assembly is provided for removably coupling a first tube and a second tube. A quick connect housing presents a central bore for receiving the second tube. A redundant latch component positionable between an unlocked position and a locked position may be provided to slidingly engage the quick connect housing. A twist lock retainer surrounds the quick connect housing and the redundant latch component. The redundant latch component includes an axially extending latch retaining arm and the twist lock retainer includes a locking channel for receiving the latch retaining arm. The twist lock retainer also includes a twist lock retaining arm that locks against a bead of the second tube to resists separation. The twist lock retaining arm extends transversely to and radially inwardly of the locking channel to engage the latch retaining arm to prevent unwanted decoupling of the assembly. A handle extends from the redundant latch component in a direction opposite the latch retaining arm.