Fluid Line Adapter Block Retention Under Pressure and Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection arrangements in fluid line systems, particularly in motor vehicle air conditioning systems, face challenges in providing a durable and secure connection that withstands high pressures, temperatures, and vibrations, while also ensuring effective sealing and limited fastening means.
Innovation Solution
A connection arrangement device comprising an adapter body with a passage bore and multiple outlets, and a mating block with a channel and mating feature, where the adapter body's retention feature interacts with the mating block's mating feature to securely retain the adapter body within the mating block, ensuring a stable and durable connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the number of fastening means is increased to provide durable connection, then connection reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection arrangement is divided into distinct functional components: adapter body, mating block, retention feature, and sealing element. Each component performs a specific function, allowing the system to achieve reliable connection through modular design rather than over-engineering a single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention feature acts as an intermediary mechanism between the adapter body and mating block, providing secure mechanical engagement. The sealing element serves as an intermediary that ensures fluid-tight connection. These intermediary components enable reliable connection without requiring multiple fastening means.
2Reliability
If the adapter design is made more complex to ensure durable sealing, then sealing reliability improves, but manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is separated from the structural function by using distinct components: the adapter body and mating block provide structural support, while dedicated sealing elements provide the sealing function. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific purpose and manufactured independently using appropriate processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter body and mating block may be formed from different materials optimized for their specific requirements (e.g., metal for strength, polymer for sealing). The use of composite materials and multi-material construction allows each component to be manufactured using the most suitable process for that material type.
3Volume of moving object
If the connection arrangement is made compact to save space, then space utilization improves, but connection stability under vibration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retention feature is designed with geometric shapes (such as hooks, lugs, or interlocking profiles) that provide mechanical engagement resistant to vibrational forces. The mating feature geometry creates a stable connection that maintains its integrity under dynamic conditions while keeping the overall assembly compact.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions are combined into integrated components: the adapter body simultaneously provides fluid passage, structural support, and mounting features. The mating block integrates the retention feature and sealing interface. This functional integration reduces the number of separate components and fastening means, achieving compact design without compromising stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A connection arrangement device for making a secure connection with at least one tube in a fluid line includes at least one adapter body having a passage bore with at least two outlets, and a mating block which is formed with at least one component and also has at least one channel receiving the adapter body. The adapter body includes a retention feature formed outside the adapter body and the mating block includes a mating feature formed inside the channel. Further, the retention feature of the adapter body is configured to interact with the mating feature of the mating block when the adapter body is coupled to the channel of the mating block such that the adapter body is securely retained within the channel of the mating block.