Circumferential Connecting Ring for Fast Pump Housing Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current assembly techniques for water circulation pumps in motor vehicle cooling circuits are costly due to high material and labor requirements, and are limited in their applicability to different materials, especially for cylindrical components.
Innovation Solution
A connection arrangement featuring a closed circumferential connecting ring that forms positive connections with holding elements on cylindrical components, allowing for easy assembly and secure interlocking without the need for additional components or specialized materials, utilizing a spring element for preload and a locking ring for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional joining technologies (screwing, laser welding, clamping, adhesive bonding) are used to connect pump housing components, then reliable connections are achieved, but assembly costs increase significantly due to high material requirements, additional components, specialized materials, precise geometries, and increased cycle times
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting ring is divided into multiple holding elements (protrusions or claws) that are distributed circumferentially around the ring. Each holding element independently engages with corresponding features on the pump housing components, distributing the connection function across multiple segments rather than requiring a single complex joining mechanism. This segmentation enables simple snap-fit connections that eliminate the need for screws, welds, or adhesives.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using active fastening mechanisms (screws that thread, welds that melt, clamps that exert high force, or adhesives that require surface preparation and curing), the invention uses passive interference-fit holding elements that rely on elastic deformation and geometric interlocking. The holding elements are designed to flex during assembly and then lock into position through their own elasticity, inverting the traditional approach where external fastening forces are applied.
2Reliability
If conventional joining technologies are used for pump assembly, then connections are secured, but assembly cycle times increase due to surface pretreatment, curing processes, and complex assembly procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The holding elements are pre-formed with the necessary elastic properties and geometric configurations during manufacturing. The connecting ring itself is designed with built-in flexibility and locking features that are prepared in advance. During assembly, these pre-prepared features automatically engage with the pump housing components through simple insertion and elastic deformation, eliminating the need for time-consuming surface pretreatment, curing waits, or complex multi-step assembly procedures.
3Reliability
If conventional joining technologies are used to connect pump components, then connections are established, but applicability to different materials (metal/plastic) is limited due to material-specific requirements and constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting ring and its holding elements are designed as a universal connection system that can accommodate different material combinations (metal-to-plastic, plastic-to-plastic, metal-to-metal). The elastic holding elements can be manufactured from materials that are compatible with both metal and plastic pump housing components, and the geometric interlocking mechanism works regardless of the specific materials involved. This universal design eliminates the need for material-specific joining procedures or specialized fasteners for each material type.
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
This solution enables quick, cost-effective assembly of pumps with reduced material costs and increased reusability, while being adaptable to various materials and ensuring reliable connections, even in high-volume production.
Implementation Method 1
The connecting ring forms a first connection with positively locked first holding elements relative to a first axial direction and a second connection with positively locked second holding elements relative to a second axial direction
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~8
Figure 9~12
AI summary
Connection arrangement (1), comprising at least a first component (2) and a second component (3) as well as a connecting ring (4) for connecting the components (2, 3), wherein the connecting ring (4) is formed as a circumferentially closed ring in a circumferential direction (5) and extends around both components (2, 3), wherein a plurality of first retaining elements (6) are arranged on the first component (2) along the circumferential direction (5) and a plurality of second retaining elements (7) are arranged on the second component (3) along the circumferential direction (5), wherein the connecting ring (4) forms a positive-locking first connection (9) with the first retaining elements (6) with respect to a first axial direction (8) and a positive-locking second connection (11) with respect to a second axial direction (10).