Quick Coupling Connector with Integrated Retainer for Reliable Latching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Quick-release connector assemblies lack reliable methods to check if the connection between the final shape and the body is properly established, as damage or loss of the securing element cannot be accurately assessed.
Innovation Solution
A quick-connect connector assembly with a body, collar, and tube featuring a retainer and securing element, where the securing element is transversely oriented to the bore's longitudinal axis, allowing radial compression of the tube's end shape to be latched and released, with a contact section that ensures proper alignment and sealing, and a guide section for secure displacement, enabling reliable detection of the connection status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a securing element is added to check proper insertion and latching, then connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases and the securing element may be damaged or lost without reliable detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the securing element with the retainer into a single integrated component. The retainer's arms serve both to latch the tube and to provide the securing function, eliminating the need for a separate securing element and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides the primary latching function by engaging with the tube's upset, simultaneously serves as the securing element to prevent improper disconnection, and its position itself indicates proper connection status. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a separate securing element is used to verify proper connection, then connection status detection is improved, but handling complexity increases and functional reliability decreases due to potential damage or loss
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the securing element with the retainer, the patent eliminates handling of separate components. The integrated design simplifies assembly and operation while providing reliable connection status detection through the retainer's position and the indicator's visibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs visual indicators (such as color-coded features or visible positions of retainer arms) to clearly indicate proper connection status. This allows operators to quickly verify connection without complex procedures, improving both detection ease and operational simplicity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
Quick-release connector assembly with a body (2) having a bore (4) extending from an opening (3), a collar (7, 7') fixed to the body (2), a tube (9) having an end form (10) with a free end (11) and a radial compression (12), a retainer (15) arranged in the bore (4), and a locking element (24, 24'), wherein the collar (7, 7') has an inlet opening (8, 8'), wherein the end form (10) of the tube (9) is inserted or can be inserted into the bore (4) through the inlet opening (8, 8') and the opening (3), wherein the bore (4) has a retainer receiving section (14) adjacent to a collar-side end, in which retainer receiving section (14) the retainer (15) is arranged, wherein the radial compression (12) of the fully or partiallyThe end form (10) is essentially fully inserted into the bore (4) and can be detachably locked to the retainer (15), wherein the locking element (24, 24') has a guide section (26, 26') oriented transversely or substantially transversely to a longitudinal axis (6) of the bore (4) and a contact section (25) oriented parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (6) of the bore (4), the contact section (25) projecting into the bore (4), wherein the guide section (26, 26') is guided one-dimensionally on an outer surface of the collar (7, 7') in a guide oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis (6) of the bore (4).is essentially one-dimensionally displaceable from a release position to a locking position, preferably reversibly, if the radial compression (12) of the end form (10) is detachably locked to the retainer (15), wherein a radial distance between the end form (10) and the contact section (25) in the locking position is smaller than the radial distance between the end form (10) and the contact section (25) in the release position.