Compact Fluid Connection Latching for Tight Installation Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid connections in spatially limited areas, such as within tubes or vehicle cable ducts, face challenges in minimizing their outer diameter without reducing the fluid line's cross-sectional area, which is often predetermined.
Innovation Solution
A fluid connection design featuring a latching body with two subgroups of latching elements that allow for a reduced outer diameter while maintaining the fluid line's cross-sectional area, utilizing a snap connection mechanism with resilient webs and specific surface arrangements to secure the connection against rotational displacement and facilitate easy assembly/disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the outer diameter of the fluid connection is reduced to minimize installation space, then the available space in spatially limited areas is improved, but the line cross-section for fluid flow may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The latching body is divided into two subgroups of latching elements distributed circumferentially, allowing the connection structure to be segmented into functional zones that optimize both outer diameter and internal fluid passage space
Solution Approach 2:
The latching elements are arranged in two circumferential subgroups rather than a single radial arrangement, utilizing the circumferential dimension to distribute locking forces and optimize the radial profile for minimal outer diameter while preserving central fluid flow area
2Device complexity
If a single group of latching elements is used to simplify the structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the connection stability against separation forces is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The latching device is segmented into two subgroups of latching elements distributed circumferentially on the latching body, providing enhanced stability against separation forces while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The two subgroups of latching elements are positioned asymmetrically in the circumferential direction, with each subgroup optimized for different engagement phases, improving connection reliability without requiring symmetric complexity
3Reliability
If the latching body is designed to engage firmly to prevent rotation, then the connection stability is improved, but the ease of assembly and disassembly is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The latching elements are designed with resilient webs that allow dynamic engagement - flexible during assembly to guide the connecting body into place, then rigid when latched to prevent rotation, providing both ease of assembly and connection stability
Solution Approach 2:
The conical surface on the first connecting body performs preliminary alignment and guidance before the latching elements engage, making assembly easier while ensuring proper orientation for the subsequent firm latching action
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 design achieves a reduced outer diameter with minimal impact on the fluid line's cross-sectional area, enhancing the connection's stability and ease of use, while maintaining flow characteristics and preventing twisting or incorrect engagement.
Implementation Method 1
each latching element of the second latching device can be associated with a resilient web (58)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a fluid connection (10), comprising a first connection body (12), a second connection body (14) and a latching body (16), which is designed to connect the first connection body (12) to the second connection body (14), the latching body (16) having a first latching device (28) that cannot be released in a destruction-free manner and a second latching device (54) that can be released in a destruction-free manner, and the latching body (16) being designed to be pushed onto a radially outer side of the first connection body (12) and onto a radially outer side of the second connection body (14).