Threaded Retainer Torque Feedback Axial Gap
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid connectors in automotive systems often fail to ensure proper seating of tubular connectors due to misalignment and lack of reliable visual or auditory feedback, leading to potential leaks and excessive strain on fluid connector joints.
Innovation Solution
A threaded retainer with a corresponding threaded surface on the fluid connector provides torque feedback for secure seating, forming an axial gap that allows rotation of the tubular connector while preventing leaks, using a combination of screw threads and shoulders to ensure full engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a witness bead is used as a visual indicator of proper sealing, then sealing verification is improved, but reliability deteriorates because it is dependent on human user checking and may not detect misalignment or small leak paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an audible feedback mechanism where a retainer produces a distinct clicking sound when it transitions between engagement positions. This acoustic feedback allows the user to confirm proper seating of the tubular connector without relying on visual inspection of a witness bead, thereby improving both measurement precision and reliability of sealing verification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the visual mechanical indicator system (witness bead) with an acoustic indication system. The retainer's engagement with the fluid connector generates audible clicks that indicate proper seating, substituting the need for visual inspection and improving reliability by providing unambiguous feedback that cannot be missed
2Ease of operation
If the retainer is installed concentrically about the tubular connector to secure it to the fluid connector, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates because the user may not be able to hear the audible click sound in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the engagement process into distinct segments or steps, each producing an audible click. The retainer engages with the fluid connector in a series of discrete positions (first engagement position and second engagement position), with each transition producing a detectable sound. This segmentation ensures that proper seating is confirmed through multiple audible indicators rather than relying on a single potentially inaudible click
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from relying solely on the acoustic dimension (audible click) to incorporating tactile feedback as well. The retainer's engagement produces both audible clicks and tactile sensations that the user can feel, adding another sensory dimension for confirmation. This multi-dimensional feedback ensures reliable detection even when acoustic feedback is compromised by environmental factors
3Strength
If the tubular connector is secured within the fluid connector without an axial gap, then strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because the tubular connector cannot rotate to relieve strain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic capability to the otherwise static joint by allowing the tubular connector to rotate within the fluid connector through the axial gap. This rotation ability enables the system to dynamically adjust and relieve strain during installation and operation, while the retainer maintains sufficient axial engagement to preserve joint strength
Solution Approach 2:
The axial gap acts as an intermediary element between the tubular connector and the retainer, providing the necessary clearance for rotation while the retainer's threaded engagement serves as the intermediary mechanism that maintains joint strength. This intermediary arrangement allows both rotational freedom and secure connection to coexist
4Reliability
If the retainer is fully threaded to the fluid connector to ensure proper seating, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for precise torque control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the audible click feedback from the retainer's engagement transitions to indicate when proper seating is achieved. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for complex torque control systems, as the user can simply tighten the retainer until the clicking stops, providing inherent feedback that the maximum engagement has been reached
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer's threaded engagement with the fluid connector is designed to be self-regulating through the audible feedback mechanism. As the user tightens the retainer, the audible clicks provide real-time information about engagement progress, allowing the system to self-indicate when proper seating is achieved without requiring external torque monitoring equipment or complex control systems
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A threaded retainer 200 including a body having a through-bore therein, a first screw thread 208 operatively arranged on an outer surface of the body, wherein, the first screw thread 208 is arranged to secure the threaded retainer 200 to a fluid connector 100 having a second screw 122 thread, the first screw thread 208 corresponding with the second screw thread 122, a first shoulder 212 arranged on the body, wherein the first shoulder 212 is arranged to abut against a second shoulder 126 of the fluid connector 100, and an axial gap AG between the fluid connector 100 and the threaded retainer 200, wherein the axial gap AG is formed when the fluid connector 100 is secured to the threaded retainer 200.