Quick Connector Verifier for Leak-Safe Fluid Tube Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connectors lack a reliable method to visually verify correct fluid connection, which can lead to misalignment and leakage issues in fluid piping systems.
Innovation Solution
A quick connector assembly with a verifier system that includes spring latches and a verifier with visible indicia, ensuring proper alignment and retention of the first fluid tube to the receptacle body, and a sealing member with elastomeric seals for a secure fluid connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a quick connector assembly is designed without a verification mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing cost is lowered, but the reliability of fluid connection is compromised due to inability to verify proper installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color-coded verification indicators (green, yellow, red colors) that change or become visible to indicate the state of connection verification. This allows operators to quickly assess connection reliability without complex instrumentation, resolving the contradiction by providing reliable verification through simple visual color signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces verification indicators and visual feedback mechanisms as intermediaries between the connection state and the operator. These indicators mediate the transmission of connection status information, allowing reliable verification without requiring complex direct measurement systems, thus maintaining simplicity while improving reliability.
2Strength
If spring latches are used to secure the fluid tube, then the connection strength and retention are improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional moving parts and assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the latch function into multiple independent spring latches that operate separately. Each latch provides individual retention force, and their combined effect achieves strong overall connection. This segmentation allows the use of simple spring mechanisms rather than a single complex latch system, maintaining strength while reducing individual component complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring latches are designed to automatically engage and secure the fluid tube through their inherent spring force without requiring additional actuation mechanisms. The latches self-actuate upon insertion, providing strong retention through their elastic recovery, thus achieving high connection strength with minimal control system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If a verifier with multiple components is installed in the quick connector, then the measurement precision of connection status is improved, but the ease of manufacture is reduced due to additional assembly steps and component installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple verification functions into a single integrated verifier component that can detect various connection status parameters. By merging detection functions into one unified indicator system, the patent achieves precise multi-parameter measurement without requiring separate assembly of multiple independent verification devices, thus improving measurement precision while maintaining manufacturing ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The verifier is designed with multi-functionality, capable of indicating multiple connection status conditions (proper insertion, sealing status, latch engagement) through a single device. This universal verification tool eliminates the need for multiple specialized sensors or indicators, achieving comprehensive measurement precision while simplifying the assembly process.
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
The solution provides a secure, visually verifiable fluid connection that minimizes misalignment and leakage, ensuring a reliable and serviceable fluid-tight connection between fluid tubes.
Implementation Method 1
A pair of spring latches with each spring latch extending through a respective one of the pair of the latch openings into the socket opening
Implementation Method 2
A sealing member having a receiver opening is installed in the sealing section with the receiver opening in alignment with the socket opening and the stem portion
Data Source
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AI summary
A quick connector assembly (10) and process for forming a coupling in a fluid line between a first and a second fluid tube comprises a receptacle body (20) having a cavity (29) extending through the receptacle body to the second fluid tube. A sealing section (28) is located within the cavity and a socket portion (27) extends from the sealing section. The socket portion includes wall (70) bordering a socket opening (74) in alignment with the cavity and includes a pair of latch openings (71) extending through a portion of the wall into the socket opening. A sealing member (30) having a receiver opening (39) is installed in the sealing section with the receiver opening in alignment with the socket opening and the cavity to the second tube. A bracket (50) installed on the wall includes a pair of spring latches (57), each spring latch extending through a respective one of the pair of latch openings into the socket opening. A first fluid tube (12) having an insertion portion and a raised upset (18) is placed through the socket opening into the receiver opening making a fluid connection to the second fluid tube and causing the upset to be captured by each spring latch. A verifier (80) having fixing fingers (87) and a pair of arms (82) is installed through respective recesses in the wall into the socket opening. Upon the capture of the first fluid tube upset by the spring latches, a force applied to the verifier causes each verifier arm to travel along the upset to rest below a respective spring latch and the fixing fingers to also capture the upset. Verifier symbols located on a surface of each verifier arm are visible through each latch openings verifying that the first fluid tube has been coupled to the receptacle body.