Brake Fluid Coupling With Sealed Snap-Fit Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing braking systems in motor vehicles and motor-assisted vehicles require time-consuming assembly processes due to the need to bleed brake fluid lines, which introduces air and contaminants, and often necessitate the use of tools for disconnection.

Innovation Solution

A coupling arrangement for hydraulic lines featuring plug and socket connectors that securely connect without introducing air or contaminants, allowing for quick assembly and preventing disconnection without tools, by using valve arrangements and a locking mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional brake fluid line assembly methods are used, then the braking system can be assembled, but the assembly process is time-consuming and requires bleeding the brake fluid line

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly speedVSAvoidtime for bleeding brake fluid line

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The brake fluid lines are pre-filled with brake fluid at the manufacturing stage before assembly. The coupling connectors are designed with sealed chambers that maintain the pre-filled fluid, eliminating the need for time-consuming bleeding operations during assembly. This preliminary preparation directly resolves the contradiction by enabling quick assembly without subsequent bleeding time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional coupling methods are used, then brake fluid lines can be connected, but air and contaminants are introduced into the hydraulic line

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of connectionVSAvoidair and contaminants in hydraulic line

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling connectors create a sealed, contaminant-free environment during connection. The design features sealed chambers and mating surfaces that prevent air and contaminants from entering the hydraulic line during the coupling process. This maintains the purity of the pre-filled brake fluid while allowing easy connection, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and prevention of harmful factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

3Productivity

If quick-connect couplings are used, then assembly is rapid, but the coupling can be accidentally disconnected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly speedVSAvoidconnection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling connector incorporates a dynamic locking mechanism that transitions from a closed locking state during normal operation to an open state only when a tool is applied. The latch mechanism can be actuated by tool engagement to release the locked state, enabling controlled disconnection. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable locked connection during assembly while allowing intentional disconnection with tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4267879B1Brake fluid coupling method

Publication Date: 2025.10.01 DANFOSS AS

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AI summary

The braking systems of motorized and motor-assisted vehicles can be quickly assembled within a factory with secure connections. Controls of the braking systems are connected to brakes of the braking system using a snap-fit connection without introducing air into the brake fluid line. Once assembled, the controls and the brakes are securely connected until deliberately released, thereby providing a safe and reliable connection during operation of the motorized or motor-assisted vehicles.