Quick Connector Retainer With Visual Insertion Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connector designs for tubes often result in incomplete or improper connections, leading to leaks and safety hazards, and existing verification methods are unreliable or require additional tools that may not fit in space-constrained environments.
Innovation Solution
A quick connector coupling with a U-shaped retainer and verifier that ensures proper insertion of the male end form by using a U-shaped retainer and verifier, which flexes to accommodate the male end form and provides a visual verification of a complete connection without the need for additional tools, allowing for a low-profile and reliable connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the retainer is designed with a relatively large longitudinal space to receive the bead, then the likelihood of a proper connection is increased, but the overall length of the coupling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The verifier is nested within the retainer structure, with the verifier's feet positioned inside the retainer's longitudinal space. This allows the verification function to be integrated into the existing retainer geometry without requiring additional longitudinal space, thereby maintaining compact coupling length while ensuring reliable connection verification
2Measurement precision
If an additional independent verification tool is used to confirm proper insertion, then verification accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The verification function is merged with the retainer structure by integrating the verifier as an internal component. The verifier's feet work in conjunction with the retainer's holding portions and ramped edges to provide verification of proper insertion. This integration eliminates the need for separate verification tools, reducing device complexity and space requirements while maintaining verification accuracy
3Ease of operation
If the holding portions are made flexible to allow bead passage, then ease of insertion is improved, but connection reliability may be compromised if the bead does not clear the beams
Solution Approach 1:
The verifier provides visual feedback through its indicator that shows whether the bead has properly cleared the holding portions and engaged the retainer. The indicator moves to a verified position only when proper insertion is achieved, giving immediate feedback to the operator. This feedback mechanism ensures connection reliability while maintaining ease of insertion through the flexible holding portions
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 ensures a reliable and visually verified proper connection without increasing the connector's length or requiring separate verification tools, providing a fast and safe connection suitable for space-constrained applications.
Implementation Method 1
A retainer is housed within the female connector body in the cavity and includes a plurality of locking beams defining a funneled shape in the insertion direction. The male end form is inserted into the female connector body, with the bead pushing past the locking beams, which can flex radially outward within the cavity to allow the bead to be pushed into the retainer. The beams will flex back after the bead has passed through them
Implementation Method 2
A verifier is disposed within the female connector body and is engageable with the retainer such that the verifier will engage with the retainer and provide visual indication that the male end form is properly inserted into the female connector body
Data Source
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AI summary
A quick connect coupling (10) includes a hollow female connector body (12), a male end form (14) configured to be received in the female connector body, a retainer (16), and a verifier (18) coupled. An entry end (22) of the female connector body (12) defines a pair of windows (40) on opposite sides of the entry end (22). The retainer 16 extends along the windows (40) and into a bore of the female connector body (12). The verifier (18) includes legs (82) and feet (84) that extend into the windows (40) and into the bore. The windows (40) define a ramped edge (120), and the retainer (16) is forced against the ramped edge (120) by an annular upset of the male end form. The retainer (16) spreads outward and springs back after the upset clears the retainer (16). The feet (84) of the verifier (18) include a ramped surface and spread outward in response to a force applied by the upset. The verifier (18) can be pushed down after the legs (82) are spread apart.