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US 2017/0114936 A1Published application
Quick connect with visual indicator
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorSamuel Jeffrey Tomlinson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Methods and systems are provided for a quick connect device. In one example, a connector may include a first visual cue for coupling an outer portion to a middle portion and a second visual cue for coupling an inner portion to the middle portion.
Claims20
A quick connect device, comprising:
- a middle portion with a first extendable arm protruding radially outward over a protrusion of an inner portion, and a second flexibly extendable arm above the first arm that is pushed radially outward by the protrusion only when an annular recess of the middle portion is fully engaged with the protrusion;
- and
- a separate, axially aligned outer portion having a window exposing and enabling the second arm of the middle portion to be extended when fully engaged with the inner portion.
A method, comprising:
- generating an image of an engine quick connect device during engine manufacturing;
- digitally measuring, via the image, an angle or a distance between a flexible indicating arm and an outer circumference of the quick connect device;
- and
- adjusting subsequent manufacturing operation in response to an indication of less than full engagement of the quick connect device based on the measured angle or distance.
1 more element
A connector assembly, comprising:
- an outer portion, a middle locking portion, and an inner portion, where the outer portion and the inner portion couple to the middle locking portion to enclose an annular channel of the inner portion to guide fluid;
- a nozzle fitting of the outer portion horizontal to a central axis of the connector assembly;
- a clip arm of the middle locking portion extending radially outward in a perpendicular direction beyond an outer circumference of the connector assembly in response to the middle locking portion fully engaging with the outer portion;
- and
- an indicating arm of the middle locking portion extending through a viewing window of the outer portion radially outward in a tangential direction beyond the outer circumference in response to the middle locking portion fully engaging with the inner portion of the connector assembly.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.