Verification Pin for Quick Connector Integrity Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connector coupling fittings for fluid line systems lack a method to verify the integrity of the fitting elements before final assembly, which can lead to incomplete or faulty connections, and do not prevent foreign matter from entering the tube receiving bore during production and installation.
Innovation Solution
A verification pin is introduced, which is an elongate cylindrical pin with a sealing surface that is releasably secured to the retainer and connector body, allowing for pressurization testing and preventing foreign matter ingress, and features deformable arms for easy removal during final assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no verification mechanism is used during production, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the reliability of the fitting assembly cannot be confirmed
Solution Approach 1:
The verification pin serves as an intermediary tool that temporarily occupies the tube receiving bore to enable integrity verification. It mediates between the need for verification and the absence of actual tube installation, allowing pressure testing and foreign matter prevention without requiring the final tube component to be present.
Solution Approach 2:
The verification pin is designed as a disposable or single-use component that is inserted during assembly verification and then removed or discarded. This eliminates the need for complex reusable verification mechanisms while maintaining reliability confirmation through simple pressurization testing.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the tube receiving bore is left open during assembly, then ease of installation is improved, but foreign matter can enter the bore
Solution Approach 1:
The verification pin is inserted into the tube receiving bore before the actual tube installation to preliminarily protect the bore from foreign matter ingress. This preliminary protective action allows the bore to remain accessible for tube installation while preventing contamination during the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The verification pin acts as a temporary intermediary barrier in the tube receiving bore, preventing foreign matter from entering while still allowing the installation process to proceed. The pin can be easily removed once the tube is installed, having served its protective purpose.
3Reliability
If a verification mechanism is added to the fitting assembly, then the integrity verification capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The verification function is extracted as a separate, standalone verification pin component rather than being integrated into the main fitting assembly. This allows integrity verification capability to be added without permanently increasing the complexity of the fitting assembly itself, as the pin is a separate tool that is inserted temporarily.
Solution Approach 2:
The verification pin is implemented as a simple, low-cost, disposable component that provides verification capability without adding permanent complexity to the fitting assembly. After verification, the pin is removed or discarded, leaving the fitting assembly in its original simple state.
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
The verification pin ensures the integrity of the fitting elements by enabling leak testing and protecting the tube receiving bore from debris, ensuring a secure and fluid-tight connection is established during assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The pin includes a sealing surface for fluid tight sealing relation to the sealing elements of the fitting
Implementation Method 2
The retainer includes deformable arms that deflect upon insertion of the verification pin to allow passage of the pin through the retainer
Data Source
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AI summary
A quick connector coupling fitting (310) includes a connector body (312) having a through bore (333) extending axially forward from an entrance opening at one end to an exit opening (335) at an opposite end, the through bore (333) defines a retainer receiving portion axially forward of the entrance opening, a tube receiving portion axially forward of the retainer receiving portion and a sealing chamber portion axially forward of the tube receiving portion. A tube retainer (314) is disposed in the retainer receiving portion releasably secured to the connector body (312), and a seal element (316) disposed in the seal chamber portion. A verification pin (500) has a solid free end (504) and a longitudinally elongate barrel portion (502) with a cylindrical surface sized for fluid tight sealing relation with the sealing element. It includes opposed latching body portions (506) extending from the barrel portion (502) at an end opposite the solid free end releasably securing the verification pin (500) to the retainer of the quick connector coupling fitting.