Tubular Connector Clip Locking With Visual Connection Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tubular connection devices for fluidic connections in cooling systems lack a visual means to confirm correct connection establishment, and can inadvertently lock in the pressed-in position without the male end piece being inserted.
Innovation Solution
A tubular connection device featuring a U-shaped locking clip with guide systems and a flexible tab that ensures the clip remains in an intermediate position without the male end piece, switching to a pressed-in or raised position only when correctly aligned, using ramps and blocking elements to prevent incorrect positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a U-shaped locking clip is used to lock the connection between female connector and male end piece, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device cannot provide visual confirmation of correct connection establishment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a colored indicator element that changes its visible position or color state to indicate connection status. The indicator is positioned such that it is visible when the clip is in the pressed-in locked position and hidden or in a different state when the clip is in the raised disconnection position, providing visual confirmation of connection establishment.
2Ease of operation
If the clip is allowed to move freely between raised and pressed-in positions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of accidental locking without insertion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate component (such as a guide element or blocking feature) that mediates between the clip and the connector walls. This intermediary element prevents the clip from being pressed into the locked position unless the male end piece is correctly inserted, as the intermediary only allows the pressed-in position when the geometric conditions for correct insertion are met.
3Reliability
If lateral guide systems are added to control clip position, then the prevention of incorrect positioning is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the guide system functions with existing structural elements of the connector. The lateral guide elements are integrated into the walls of the female connector or the male end piece rather than being separate components. This merging approach provides the necessary guidance and positioning control while minimizing additional complexity by reusing existing structural features.
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
Provides a secure and visually confirmable connection status, ensuring the male end piece is correctly locked and preventing accidental locking without insertion.
Implementation Method 1
a lug arranged on a flexible tab carried by the ring
Data Source
AI summary
A tubular connection device includes a female connector into which a male end piece having an annular groove may be inserted. The female connector has two lateral slits. The device further includes a U-shaped clip having a head and two branches straddling the female connector. Each branch extends into a lateral slit and ends with a foot. The device further includes a ring having two lateral openings facing the lateral slits of the female connector, and two lateral guide systems cooperating with the feet of the clip to keep the clip in a raised position or in a pressed-in position. Each guide system includes a notch, a plate delimiting a lower edge of the notch, and a lug arranged on a flexible tab carried by the ring. The annular groove faces the lateral slits to allow the clip to switch between the pressed-in position and the raised position.