Angled Air Connection Head with Circlip Retention for Spring Brake

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air connection systems for spring brake chambers in heavy commercial vehicles face issues such as damage from torque application during assembly, potential loosening due to vibrations, and safety risks from user disassembly without proper safety measures.

Innovation Solution

A compact air connection apparatus featuring an angled chamber connection head with a primary channel for a circlip, allowing for click-on assembly without torque and preventing user disassembly, along with a sealing channel for enhanced sealing and a release bolt slot for additional safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If screwed assembly is used to connect the air connection apparatus to the spring brake chamber, then the air connection can be securely fastened, but the torque application may cause damage to the screw threads and o-rings, and the connection may loosen due to vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoiddamage from torque application and vibration loosening

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the screwed mechanical connection system with a push-fit connection system that uses elastic deformation and friction. The air connection apparatus is inserted into the air inlet and secured through elastic retention elements rather than threaded fasteners, eliminating torque application and associated damage risks while maintaining secure connection under vibration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the connection parameter from torque-based fastening to insertion-force-based retention. By designing the air connection apparatus with an angled chamber connection head and retention elements that engage with the air inlet, the connection security is achieved through elastic deformation and friction rather than threaded engagement, preventing both damage and loosening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the air connection apparatus is made easily accessible for user maintenance, then ease of operation is improved, but users may disassemble it without proper safety measures causing safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser accessibilityVSAvoidsafety risks from unauthorized disassembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a release bolt as an intermediary element that mediates between user accessibility and safety. The release bolt must be activated to disengage the retention elements, providing a controlled interface that allows authorized maintenance while preventing unauthorized or unsafe disassembly by normal users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the connection state dynamic through the release bolt mechanism. The air connection apparatus can be securely retained during normal operation but can be easily released when the release bolt is activated. This dynamic control allows the system to switch between secure locked state and accessible released state, balancing safety and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a compact product design is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but there is insufficient space for additional safety features like release bolts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduct compactnessVSAvoidspace for safety features

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies nesting by integrating the release bolt mechanism within the existing structure of the air connection apparatus. The release bolt is positioned within the chamber connection head, utilizing the internal space rather than adding external components. This nested arrangement maintains compact product design while incorporating the necessary safety feature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP4279347B1An air connection apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.05.28 ARFESAN ARKAN FREN ELEMANLARI SANAYI VE TICARET

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AI summary

The invention relates to an air connection apparatus (1) for connecting the air sources to the spring brake chambers (12), comprising at least one air line (5), one end of which is arranged to be an air connection head (2.a) to be connected to an air source and another end of which is arranged to be a chamber connection head (2) to be connected to the spring brake chamber (12) and is angled in respect to the air connection head (2.a), and which includes an air channel (7) extending from the chamber connection head (2) to the air connection head (2.a) to allow air passage, and a primary channel (6) formed in the outer diameter of said chamber connection head (2) to allow a circlip (6a) to be inserted.