Quick Connector Verifier for Visible Fluid Tube Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connectors lack a reliable method to visually verify a correct fluid connection, which can lead to leaks and other operational issues.
Innovation Solution
A quick connector assembly with a verifier system that includes a receptacle body, a sealing member, a bracket with spring latches, and a verifier with fixing fingers and arms, which visually indicates a correct fluid connection by capturing the upset of the first fluid tube and displaying verification symbols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a quick connector assembly is used to couple fluid tubes, then the fluid connection can be established quickly and securely, but there is no reliable method to visually verify the correctness of the connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color-coded verification elements (green checkmark, red X, yellow warning symbols) on the verifier component that become visible through window portions of the receptacle body. These color changes and visual indicators provide immediate, intuitive feedback about the correctness of the tube insertion, allowing operators to quickly verify proper connection without complex instrumentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The verifier acts as an intermediary component between the tube insertion action and the visual verification output. It includes arms with verification symbols that physically interact with the tube upset during insertion, then translate this interaction into visible verification states through the window portions, mediating between the mechanical connection process and human observation.
2Ease of operation
If spring latches are used to secure the tube, then the connection is automatically locked, but there is no indication whether the latches have properly engaged
Solution Approach 1:
The verifier provides immediate visual feedback about latch engagement status through verification symbols visible in the window portions. As the tube is inserted and the spring latches engage the tube upset, the verifier arms move accordingly, displaying visual indicators (such as a green checkmark) that confirm proper latch engagement, giving real-time feedback without requiring separate inspection steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The verification function is merged with the latch engagement mechanism itself. The verifier arms are positioned to interact with the same tube upset that the latches engage, combining the locking function and verification function into a single integrated system rather than separate components.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a verifier with moving parts is added to indicate correct connection, then visual verification is provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The verifier is segmented into discrete, simple components: multiple arms with verification symbols, fixing fingers, and window portions in the receptacle body. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function while keeping individual parts simple and easy to manufacture, reducing overall complexity despite the added verification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The verifier is designed to be self-actuating through the insertion process itself. As the tube is inserted into the receptacle, the verifier arms automatically move and position themselves to display the appropriate verification symbols without requiring external actuation mechanisms, motors, or complex control systems. The insertion action directly drives the verification display.
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 and visually verified fluid connection, ensuring that the first fluid tube is properly locked to the receptacle body, thereby preventing leaks and enhancing operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
A bracket is installed on the wall and includes 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
AI summary
A quick connector assembly coupling a fluid tube to a receptacle body includes a socket portion and a wall bordering a socket opening. A pair of latch openings extend through the wall into the socket opening. A bracket installed on the wall includes a pair of spring latches that reach through a respective one of the pair of latch openings into the socket opening. A fluid tube having a raised upset is placed through the socket opening causing the upset to be captured by each spring latch. A verifier having fixing fingers and a pair of verifier arms is installed through respective recesses in the wall and into the socket opening that causes each verifier arm to travel along the upset to rest below a respective spring latch and the fixing fingers to capture the upset.