Quick Connector Retainer-Verifier Assembly for Secure Fluid Latching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling assemblies for fluid connections are prone to accidental release due to high fluid pressures and material deterioration, leading to fluid loss, as they lack sufficient connection safety and can be improperly handled, causing the latching element to be released prematurely.
Innovation Solution
A coupling assembly design that keeps the verifier in the locking position when the male member is in the latching position, limiting retainer movement and requiring higher forces to release the male member, featuring an annular retainer and verifier with enhanced stiffness and a double lock function, ensuring increased connection safety and compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the verifier is made movable to indicate latching position, then verification capability is improved, but connection safety deteriorates due to accidental release
Solution Approach 1:
The verification function is segmented from the release function. The verifier is a separate component that can indicate position without being able to trigger release on its own. The retainer and actuating segments form a separate release mechanism that requires intentional manual activation, preventing accidental release while maintaining verification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The verifier acts as an intermediary indicator component that provides visual feedback about latching status without having direct mechanical influence on the retention mechanism. It mediates between the internal latching state and external observation, allowing verification without compromising connection safety.
2Ease of operation
If the retainer is made actuatable for release, then ease of operation is improved, but connection safety deteriorates due to premature release
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer transitions from a static locking state to a dynamic release state only when intentionally actuated. The actuating segments are designed to remain stable in the locked position but can be deliberately moved to trigger release. This dynamic behavior allows easy intentional release while preventing accidental premature release through proper force thresholds and geometric design.
3Measurement precision
If the verifier is positioned closer to the retainer in locking position, then verification accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The verifier serves multiple functions: it indicates both the locked and unlocked positions through its axial movement, and it provides a reference for verification without requiring additional separate components. By positioning it closer to the retainer in the locking position, the same component achieves both accurate verification and compact design, eliminating the need for additional verification mechanisms.
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 design significantly increases the force threshold required to release the male member, preventing accidental disconnection and ensuring a secure fluid connection, even under high pressures or improper handling, thereby minimizing fluid loss and enhancing connection safety.
Implementation Method 1
the verifier in the locking position limits a movement of a section of the retainer in radial direction, so that the retainer is not actuatable in the locking position of the verifier
Implementation Method 2
the retainer comprises at least one actuating segment for actuating the retainer for unlatching the latching element and releasing the male member from the main body
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling assembly includes a female quick connector and a male member, wherein the male member has a latching element, a sealing section and a tip, wherein the sealing section is disposed between the latching element and the tip. The quick connector includes a retainer having at least one retaining element. The male member is in a latching position if the latching element is latched onto the at least one retaining element. The quick connector includes a verifier which is axially movable along a verification path, wherein the verification path comprises at least one locking position and at least one releasing position. The verifier in the locking position limits a movement of a section of the retainer in radial direction, so that the retainer is not actuatable in the locking position but actuatable in the releasing position of the verifier.