Tubular Coupling Cartridge With Visual Assembly Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluidic coupling devices for motor vehicles lack effective indicators for confirming correct assembly, particularly in noisy environments or when the coupling device is integrated with a female element, leading to potential leaks and increased operator fatigue.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with a visual indicator system, featuring a cartridge that locks into a housing and only fully integrates when the tubular element is correctly seated, allowing for easy visual confirmation of proper assembly even when the device is connected to a female element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If acoustic indicators are used to indicate correct assembly, then the operator can detect correct assembly through sound, but the operator cannot hear the signal in noisy environments or when fatigued, leading to repeated assembly attempts and time loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the acoustic indicator system with a visual indicator system. Instead of using sound waves to signal correct assembly, the invention employs visual elements such as colored rings, windows, or display elements that change appearance (color, position, or visibility) to indicate proper tubular element insertion. This substitution eliminates the harmful effect of noise interference while maintaining the information transmission function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifically utilizes color changes as the visual indication mechanism. The indicator element changes color or displays different colors based on the assembly state - for example, showing a first color when the tubular element is incorrectly positioned and a second color when correctly assembled. This leverages human visual sensitivity to color differences to provide clear, unambiguous assembly confirmation that is independent of acoustic environment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the coupling device is integrated with a female element, then the assembly is more compact and functional, but the visual indicator becomes concealed and invisible to the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the visual indicator on the external surface of the coupling device, specifically on the cartridge housing that protrudes from the main body. This spatial arrangement ensures the indicator remains accessible and visible from the outside even when the coupling device is integrated with a female element. The indicator is placed in a dimension (external surface) that is not obscured by the integration, allowing continuous visual monitoring of assembly status.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is segmented into distinct components: the main body, the cartridge housing, and the visual indicator. The cartridge housing acts as an intermediate structure that houses the sealing and fastening mechanisms while providing an external surface for the visual indicator. This segmentation allows the indicator to be positioned on a component that remains externally accessible even when other parts are integrated or concealed during assembly.
3Device complexity
If no visual indicator is provided, then the device structure is simpler, but the operator cannot easily confirm correct assembly, leading to potential leaks and increased fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color-changing visual indicators that provide immediate, unambiguous feedback on assembly status. The indicator displays different colors or color patterns depending on whether the tubular element is correctly positioned and secured. This simple visual mechanism significantly enhances assembly confirmation reliability without adding complex mechanical or electronic systems, maintaining structural simplicity while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual indicator system is self-contained and automatically displays the assembly status without requiring external power sources, control systems, or operator intervention. The indicator responds passively to the mechanical state of the assembly through direct physical connection or positional relationship with the tubular element and sealing components. This self-service characteristic adds minimal structural complexity while providing continuous, reliable assembly confirmation.
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 and efficient sealing by providing a clear visual indication of correct assembly, reducing operator fatigue and time loss, and allowing for assembly verification without requiring attention to acoustic or haptic signals.
Implementation Method 1
the resilient pin arranged to jump against the surface of the tubular element in order to emit an acoustic signal
Implementation Method 2
producing an acoustic signal in the deformed state
Implementation Method 3
the annular seal is arranged such that it is compressed between a wall of the inner channel and the tubular element so as to ensure a seal
Implementation Method 4
The fastening member is responsible for holding the tubular element in place once inserted
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling device for a tubular element comprises a hollow body having a housing, a cartridge locked in the housing in a first position, the cartridge then protruding from the hollow body, the cartridge having an outer wall and an inner wall delimiting an inner channel, the inner channel having a first end forming an inlet for receiving the tubular element and a second end provided with an obstacle, an annular seal and a fastening ring disposed in the inner channel in order to secure the tubular element in the inner channel in sealed manner. The coupling device comprises an unlocking system configured to allow, when the tubular element exerts a force against the obstacle, the unlocking of the cartridge and its movement to a second position, in which the cartridge is entirely incorporated in the hollow body.