Tube Coupling with Nested Display Member for Penetration Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing instant fittings for tubes lack effective visualization of tube penetration, especially in low-light conditions or unfavorable angles, and often have significant axial bulk due to their design.
Innovation Solution
The coupling features a display member with a window facing the cap's window, allowing reliable visualization of tube penetration while maintaining a compact axial and radial design, where the display member is housed within the attachment ring and moves between positions indicating tube insertion, using a cam-shaped contact portion to transform axial insertion into radial movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a display member protrudes axially from the attachment ring to be visible outside, then tube penetration visualization is improved, but axial bulk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display member is nested within the attachment ring, with the display member's window aligned with the attachment ring's window to form a composite viewing aperture. This nesting arrangement allows the display function to be integrated within the existing axial envelope of the connector, eliminating the need for axial protrusion while maintaining visualization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from axial protrusion to radial alignment by positioning the display member's window in radial alignment with the attachment ring's window. This dimensional shift allows the display information to be visible through the side walls of the connector rather than requiring axial extension, thereby reducing axial bulk while preserving visualization.
2Loss of information
If the connector design includes adequate space for tube insertion, then tube depression visualization is improved, but radial size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display member is nested within the attachment ring structure, utilizing the existing radial space already allocated for the attachment ring's function. The display member's window is positioned to align with the attachment ring's window, creating a composite viewing aperture that requires no additional radial envelope beyond what is already needed for the attachment ring.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment ring serves dual functions: providing the mechanical attachment function for tube retention and housing the display member for penetration visualization. This multi-functionality allows the display feature to be integrated without requiring additional radial space, as the attachment ring's structure is utilized to accommodate both functions simultaneously.
3Reliability
If existing visualization methods are used (viewing through cap window only), then device complexity is low, but visualization reliability in low-light or unfavorable angles is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The display member is nested within the attachment ring, with both components contributing their windows to form a composite viewing aperture. This nested arrangement creates a larger effective viewing area without requiring separate external viewing mechanisms, thereby improving visualization reliability while adding minimal structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap window and attachment ring window are merged into a composite viewing aperture through precise alignment of both windows. This merging creates a larger effective opening for observation, improving light transmission and viewing angles without requiring separate viewing mechanisms, thus enhancing visualization reliability with minimal additional complexity.
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
Ensures reliable tube penetration visualization and a compact connector design, with the display member returning to its initial position upon tube withdrawal, limiting axial size and preventing axial bulk.
Implementation Method 1
the contact portion has a cam-shaped part intended to cooperate with the end of the tube so as to transform the axial insertion movement of the tube into a radial movement of at least a portion of the display member
Data Source
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Figure 6~9
AI summary
The connection has visualization units for visualizing sinking of a tube (4) in a housing having a window (20) arranged in a cap (13). A visualization ring permits change in outer appearance of the connection when the tube is sunk or not sunk in the housing that is arranged between a tubular nozzle and the cap. The ring has a contact portion received between a gripping ring and the nozzle. The portion is designed to cooperate with an end of the tube during sinking of the tube in the housing.