Tubular Connector Clip Locking With Visual Connection Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tubular connection devices lack a reliable visual indicator to confirm correct connection establishment, as the clip can be inadvertently placed in the locked position without the male end being inserted.
Innovation Solution
A tubular connection device featuring a U-shaped locking clip with guide systems, including notches, ramps, and a flexible tongue, which maintains the clip in specific positions to indicate connection status, preventing the clip from being locked without the male end being correctly inserted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking clip is used to secure the male end piece in the female connector, then the connection is mechanically locked, but there is no visual indication of correct connection establishment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the position of the locking clip as a visual indicator: when the clip is in the depressed (locked) position, it visually confirms correct connection establishment. This applies the principle of using observable state changes to convey connection status information without adding separate indicators.
2Ease of operation
If the clip can be freely positioned in the depressed locking position, then the connection can be locked, but the clip may be incorrectly placed in the locked position without the male end being inserted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the guide system with ramps and notches) that mediates between the clip positioning action and the final locked state. This intermediary ensures that the clip can only reach the depressed locking position when the male end piece is correctly inserted, preventing incorrect locking while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide system applies preliminary anti-action by preventing the clip from being forced into the depressed locking position when the male end piece is not correctly inserted. The mechanical constraints of the guide system block incorrect positioning attempts before they can result in false locking.
3Loss of information
If guide systems with multiple positions are implemented, then correct connection status can be indicated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it guides the clip into correct positioning, provides visual indication of connection status through the clip's position, and prevents incorrect locking. By making the guide system multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device 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 the clip is only in the locked position when the male end is securely inserted, providing a visual confirmation of the connection status and preventing incorrect locking.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient ring (3) arranged against an internal wall of the female connector (2)
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A tubular connection device (1) comprising a female connector (2), into which a male end piece (5) provided with an annular groove (52) is intended to be inserted, the female connector (2) being provided with two lateral slits (21) that are symmetrical with respect to a radial axis; a U-shaped clip (4) comprising a head (41) and two branches (42), and straddling the female connector (2), each branch (42) extending into a lateral slit (21) and ending with a foot (43); two lateral guide systems that are symmetrical with respect to the radial axis, cooperating with the feet (43) of the clip (4) in order to keep it in a raised position or in a pressed-in position; the device (1) also comprises a ring (3) provided with two lateral openings (31) facing the lateral slits (21), and characterised in that each guide system comprises a notch, formed in the female connector (2) adjacent to the lateral slit (21); a plate delimiting a lower edge of the notch and on which the foot (43) rests in order to keep the clip (4) in an intermediate position in the absence of a male end piece (5); a lug arranged on a flexible tab (32) carried by the ring (3), and intended to at least partially fill the notch and the plate when the male end piece (5) is inserted into the connector (2), its annular groove (51) facing the lateral slits (21), in order to allow the clip (3) to switch to a pressed-in position or to a raised position.