Clock and Anchor Pipe Fitting for Intake Manifolds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional 'clock and lock' mounting strategies for pipe fittings in intake manifolds require overcoming a retaining force during assembly, making installation complex and prone to errors, especially in high-pressure conditions like backfire scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A 'clock and anchor' pipe fitting assembly with a cylindrical bore and tab grooves, featuring flanges that engage grooves upon rotation, preventing axial movement and rotation reversal, thus securing the pipe fitting without a locking mechanism, simplifying installation and maintaining position under pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional 'clock and lock' mounting strategy is used with snap fit features and retaining forces, then the pipe fitting can be locked in position, but the installation process becomes complex and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex locking mechanism and retaining force features from the system. Instead of using snap fit features, springs, or locking mechanisms, the invention uses a simple friction-fit arrangement where the tube's outer surface directly engages with the bore's inner surface through radial expansion, eliminating unnecessary complexity while maintaining reliable positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The tube fitting performs its own retention function through self-expansion. When inserted into the bore, the tube radially expands under insertion force or external pressure, creating its own friction fit and retention mechanism without requiring separate locking features, springs, or complex mounting structures
2Reliability
If a retaining force mechanism is used to hold the pipe fitting, then the fitting can be secured, but overcoming this retain force during assembly makes installation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The tube fitting creates its own retention through self-expansion rather than relying on an external retaining force mechanism. The radial expansion of the tube against the bore wall generates friction that secures the fitting, eliminating the need to overcome a pre-set retain force during installation
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a retaining force to hold the fitting and requiring force to overcome it during installation, the invention inverts the approach by using the insertion force itself to create the retention. The tube expands during insertion, and this same expansion creates the friction fit that retains the fitting in place
3Reliability
If snap fit features are used for mounting, then the pipe fitting can be locked, but the process becomes prone to errors especially in high-pressure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates snap fit features, locking mechanisms, and complex mounting structures entirely. The solution uses a simple friction-fit arrangement where the tube's outer surface directly engages with the bore's inner surface through radial expansion, removing error-prone features while maintaining secure mounting
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the retention mechanism from mechanical interlocking (snap fit) to friction-based retention through radial dimensional change. The tube expands radially to create a friction fit, and this parameter change (radial expansion) provides reliable retention without complex features or error-prone mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe fitting assembly is provided for an intake manifold defining a generally cylindrical bore and having at least one tab portion defining at least one groove. The pipe fitting assembly includes a fitting member having a generally cylindrical portion configured for insertion into the bore such that the fitting member is rotatable between a first and second position. At least one flange is formed on the fitting member and is operable to engage the at least one groove when the fitting member is rotated from the first position to the second position, thereby preventing the removal of the cylindrical portion from the bore. A tube member is also provided having a first end mounted with respect to the fitting member and a second end mounted with respect to the intake manifold. The tube member is operable to retain the fitting member in the second position.