Fluid Line Connector With Annular Locking Gap for Fast Leak-Tight Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid line connectors often face challenges in achieving quick and easy assembly while meeting requirements for compressive strength and leak-tightness, particularly in critical applications like fuel tanks and cooling water circuits, and can be difficult to handle correctly to avoid incorrect assembly.
Innovation Solution
A connector design comprising a housing with a fluid duct, a separate locking device consisting of a locking housing and element, which forms an annular gap for receiving a cylindrical connecting branch, allowing for easy alignment and secure attachment through elastically resilient holding portions and a latching mechanism, enabling toolless assembly and enhanced mechanical stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a connector is designed as a single integrated housing, then manufacturing is simpler, but adaptability to different load requirements and material selection is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate components: a connector housing and a locking device with locking housing and locking element. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using optimal materials and processes for their specific functions, while still achieving the overall assembly goals.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is designed as a separate component that can be adapted to different load requirements and material specifications. The locking housing can be produced from different materials than the connector housing, allowing optimization for specific mechanical properties and load conditions while maintaining a universal connector design.
2Reliability
If assembly requirements are stringent, then connection reliability is improved, but assembly time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element features holding portions that jut into the annular gap in an elastically resilient manner, enabling the connector to self-align and self-lock during assembly. The elastic resilience provides automatic adjustment and secure engagement without requiring precise manual alignment or additional fastening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism provides visual feedback through its engagement state, allowing operators to quickly verify correct assembly without complex inspection procedures. The mechanical latching provides tactile and visual confirmation of proper connection.
3Ease of operation
If handling is simplified, then assembly speed increases, but risk of incorrect assembly may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device and connector housing feature asymmetric geometries including protrusions and recesses that provide mechanical guidance and prevent incorrect assembly orientations. The asymmetric design ensures that components can only be assembled in the correct orientation, eliminating the risk of improper installation while maintaining simple handling.
4Strength
If compressive strength requirements are enhanced, then connection safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is pre-configured with the locking element in a positioned state that enables immediate engagement with the connector housing. The holding portions are pre-positioned to jut into the annular gap, providing enhanced compressive strength from the moment of assembly without requiring additional complex fastening steps or components.
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 solution facilitates rapid, reliable, and leak-tight connections with improved compressive strength, simplifies assembly, and allows for easy handling, reducing the risk of incorrect assembly and enhancing safety in applications like automotive and utilities industries.
Implementation Method 1
The locking element juts with at least one holding portion in an elastically resilient manner into the annular gap
Data Source
AI summary
In a connector for a fluid line having a connector housing which has a fluid duct extending away from a first opening, a locking device having a locking housing and a locking element is provided in the region of the first opening. The locking housing encloses the connector housing with respect to the fluid duct such that an annular gap which is intended for receiving a substantially cylindrical connection piece is formed between the connector housing and the locking housing. The locking housing has a cutout through which the locking element projects into the annular gap by way of a respective holding portion.