Tube Connector Locking Ring With Visual Locked-State Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors with snap fit mechanisms for outer diameter applications lack a reliable visual indication of the locked position, and previous solutions are limited to inner diameter connectors, making it difficult to distinguish between locked and unlocked states, especially when the connector and tube are similar in color.
Innovation Solution
A connector design that uses a cap with a different color or material for visual contrast, combined with a locking ring that provides a tactile click and visual indication through strategically positioned windows, allowing the user to determine the locked state without requiring a direct line of sight to the tube, and is applicable to both inner and outer diameter connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a snap fit engagement is used to replace ultrasonic welding, then the manufacturing complexity and material compatibility requirements are reduced, but the cap is subjected to radial expansion strains and bending stresses that can cause cracking or dislodgement
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is divided into multiple flexible fingers instead of a single rigid annular structure. Each finger can independently deflect and absorb stress, preventing the cap from cracking or dislodging under bending loads while maintaining the snap fit engagement advantage.
2Ease of manufacture
If an annular shoulder snap fit is used, then ultrasonic welding equipment is eliminated, but the cap must expand radially during assembly creating strain on the cap
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is segmented into multiple fingers that can deflect independently during assembly. This eliminates the need for radial expansion of a rigid annular structure, reducing assembly strain while maintaining the simple snap fit engagement without ultrasonic welding equipment.
3Reliability
If a locking ring is added to provide locked/unlocked positions, then the connector can prevent accidental release, but the structure becomes more complex and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring is integrated with the existing cap structure, combining the locking function with the grip ring assembly. This provides reliable prevention of accidental release while minimizing additional structural complexity and manufacturing cost by reusing existing components and assembly processes.
4Loss of information
If a visual indication system is added to show locked state, then user confidence and safety are improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different colored sections are incorporated into the cap and locking ring structures. When the locking ring rotates to the locked position, the colored sections align to provide a clear visual indication of the locked state. This simple color-coding system provides reliable visual feedback without adding complex mechanical or electronic indication systems.
5Ease of operation
If the locking ring is made accessible from the outer end of the connector, then ease of operation is improved, but the structural integrity and sealing may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring is nested within the cap structure at the outer end, allowing user access while being protected by the cap's outer wall. The cap acts as a protective enclosure that maintains sealing integrity while providing access to the locking ring through designated openings or by temporarily displacing the cap, thus balancing ease of operation with sealing reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A connector comprising a body (1) having a through-way (5) which is open at one end. A shoulder (7) in the through-way faces the open end and supports an O-ring (9). A cap (2) is fitted to an open end of the body and extends from the open end towards the opposite end. The cap is a different colour to the body. A gripping ring (3) in the cap has a plurality of inwardly facing teeth (32) to grip, in use, a tube in the through-way to prevent it from being pulled out of the open end of the connector. A locking ring (4) is fitted over the open end of the body and cap, the locking ring being rotatable between a locked position in which the teeth of the gripping ring can engage the tube and an unlocked position in which the teeth of the gripping ring are prevented from engaging the tube. The locking ring has a window (44) which lines up with the body in one of the locked and unlocked positions and the cap in the other of the locked and unlocked positions.