Tubular Connector Lock Indicator for Fast Visual Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for connecting rigid tubular objects, especially in hard-to-reach places within complex systems, face challenges in ensuring a reliable and simplified connection verification process.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a socket housing with a sleeve section and a sleeve-shaped element, equipped with engagement elements and an indicator element that moves radially to provide visual confirmation of the locked position, allowing for easy verification of connection status through a spring-elastic display element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual inspection and acoustic feedback are used to verify connection, then connection reliability is improved, but time consumption and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator element changes its visual appearance (color or visibility state) to indicate the connection status. When the sleeve-shaped element is in the open position, the indicator element is visible; when locked, it becomes concealed. This provides immediate visual feedback without requiring time-consuming inspection procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates an indicator element that provides immediate visual feedback about the connection status. The indicator element's visibility state directly reflects whether the engagement elements are engaged or disengaged, eliminating the need for secondary verification methods and reducing time consumption.
2Reliability
If precise visual inspection is performed to verify connection, then connection reliability is improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator element provides a clear visual distinction between connected and disconnected states through its visibility change. This eliminates the need for complex inspection procedures and makes the operation simple and intuitive, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-verification through the indicator element that automatically indicates the connection status. The system verifies its own state without requiring external inspection tools or complex procedures, simplifying operation while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If engagement elements are designed for secure locking, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator element is extracted as a separate functional component that provides visual feedback without being part of the engagement mechanism itself. This allows the locking mechanism to remain simple while adding the verification function through a distinct element that moves radially to indicate status.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator element serves multiple functions: it provides visual feedback about connection status and simultaneously moves in response to the engagement elements' position. This multi-functionality adds verification capability without requiring a separate complex indication system.
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
Enables reliable and simplified connection verification of tubular objects by providing a clear visual indication of engagement status, reducing the complexity of checking connections in difficult-to-access areas.
Implementation Method 1
the display element should be designed to be as spring-elastic as possible, or at least have a spring-elastic base that tolerates radial inward movement
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A device (2) for connecting two tubular objects has a connection piece housing (4) and a sleeve-like element (6), said connection piece housing (4) having a sleeve portion (3) with an insertion opening (8) and with at least one radially continuous cut-out (26), said sleeve-like element (6) being complementary to the insertion opening (8) for insertion into said insertion opening (8), said sleeve portion (3) having at least one first engagement element (34) and said sleeve-like element (6) having at least one second engagement element (36), which mutually correspond in order to lock the sleeve-like element (6) in the sleeve portion (3) and which can be moved from an open relative position into a locked relative position. The device is characterised in that the sleeve-like element (6) has a display element (24) that: extends radially outwards from the sleeve-like element (6); in the open relative position projects through the at least one cut-out (26); and in the locked relative position is moved radially inwards and is completely covered by a component (28, 44) disposed in the cut-out (26).