Tamper-Resistant Fluid Connection Collar With Visual Engagement Check
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid connection assembly designs are difficult to assemble, prone to disconnection, and lack tamper-resistant features, which can lead to the release of hazardous refrigerants or other fluids.
Innovation Solution
A fluid connection assembly featuring a connector body with a detent and collar system that provides a visual connection verification and tamper detection, allowing for tool-free assembly and reducing the force required for connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a retaining clip is used to secure the tube to the connector body, then the connection is secured, but the assembly force required is very large and the retaining clip is easy to lose
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is divided into a first section non-rotatably connected to the connector body and a second section rotatable with respect to the first section. This segmentation allows the locking mechanism to be distributed across multiple components, reducing the force concentration on any single component while maintaining connection security.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a retaining clip that relies on radial force to hold the tube, this invention uses a collar rotation mechanism where the second section rotates to engage detents with the tube shoulder. The locking action is inverted from a static clip to a dynamic rotational engagement, providing secure connection with reduced assembly force.
2Reliability
If a retaining clip is used to secure the tube, then connection is achieved, but the retaining clip installation is difficult and structural integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The collar system is designed to be self-installing through rotation. The second section of the collar rotates to automatically engage the detents with the tube shoulder, eliminating the need for separate retaining clip installation. The structure serves itself by using the rotation motion to achieve both positioning and locking functions.
3Ease of operation
If existing fluid connection assembly designs are used, then connection is achieved, but they can be easily disconnected allowing hazardous fluid release
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly transitions from a static retaining clip design to a dynamic collar rotation system. The second section of the collar can rotate to engage or disengage detents, providing controlled connection and disconnection while preventing accidental separation. The dynamic mechanism ensures intentional operation only, reducing hazardous fluid release risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent includes visual connection verification features that use color or visual indicators to show when the collar is properly engaged. This allows operators to verify secure connection without additional tools, ensuring proper assembly while maintaining ease of operation and preventing hazardous fluid release through visual confirmation.
4Productivity
If existing fluid connection designs are used, then connection is achieved, but no tamper detection or visual verification is provided
Solution Approach 1:
The collar system incorporates visual feedback mechanisms including color indicators and transparent portions that allow operators to verify proper connection status. The system provides immediate visual feedback on connection integrity, eliminating the need for separate verification steps and maintaining assembly productivity while enabling easy detection of connection status.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid connection assembly, including a connector body, including a first end, a second end, a first through-bore, a first radially outward facing surface including at least one aperture extending from the first radially outward facing surface to the first through-bore, and at least one detent arranged in the at least one aperture, and a collar connected to the connector body, the collar including a first section non-rotatably connected to the connector body, and a second section including a radially inward facing surface engaged with the first radially outward facing surface and including at least one pocket extending radially outward therefrom, wherein the second section is engaged with and rotatable with respect to the first section.