Connector Compensation Element for Ice Pressure Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connectors and fluid lines used in SCR systems for aqueous urea solutions in motor vehicles are prone to damage due to volume expansion and pressure increase caused by freezing at low temperatures, leading to potential destruction.
Innovation Solution
A connection unit with a connector and fluid line featuring a compensation element supported by a spring element, allowing for increased internal volume to accommodate pressure changes, and a Y-shaped or T-shaped design with a heatable fluid line to mitigate damage from ice pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heating is applied to connectors and fluid lines, then freezing damage is prevented, but energy consumption increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful freezing process into a beneficial volume expansion that is accommodated by the compensation element. Instead of preventing freezing through heating, the system allows freezing to occur and uses the resulting volume increase to push the compensation element, which in turn increases the internal volume of the connector section to relieve ice pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The compensation element acts as an intermediary between the fluid line and the connector section. It transmits the force from the frozen medium's volume expansion to the connector walls, enabling the internal volume to increase without requiring direct heating or complex pressure relief mechanisms.
2Reliability
If heating is applied to connectors and fluid lines, then freezing damage is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful freezing process into a beneficial volume expansion that is accommodated by the compensation element. Instead of preventing freezing through heating, the system allows freezing to occur and uses the resulting volume increase to push the compensation element, which in turn increases the internal volume of the connector section to relieve ice pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is self-regulating through the compensation element and spring element mechanism. When freezing occurs and volume expands, the compensation element automatically moves to increase internal volume and reduce pressure. When the medium thaws and volume decreases, the spring element returns the compensation element to its original position, maintaining sealing without requiring external control or heating systems.
3Reliability
If the connector internal volume is increased to accommodate ice pressure, then component damage is prevented, but connector dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector internal volume is made dynamic rather than static. The compensation element can move along the fluid line to adjust the internal volume of the connector section in real-time. When ice pressure occurs, the volume increases to accommodate the expansion; when pressure normalizes, the volume returns to its original compact size through the spring element's restoring force.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector section is designed with flexible walls that can expand outward when the compensation element moves. This flexibility allows the connector to increase its internal volume temporarily to relieve ice pressure, then return to its original compact dimensions when the pressure decreases, without requiring a permanently larger structure.
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
Effectively compensates for temperature-related volume expansions, preventing damage to components and allowing for reversible return to original states when pressure decreases, while being less complex and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
at least one compensation element is connected to the fluid line or to the fluid line end, the compensation element being supportable on at least one support stop via at least one spring element
Data Source
AI summary
A connection unit having a connector and at least one fluid line that is connected to the connector, wherein the connector has at least two connection ends and a connector section that connects the connection ends to one another. A fluid line end of a fluid line engages with at least one connection end of the connector. At least one compensation element is connected to the fluid line in the area of the fluid line end of the fluid line, the compensation element being supportable on at least one support stop via at least one spring element. Due to a pressure increase in the connector section, the compensation element is movable against the restoring force of the spring element in the direction of the support stop, with an increase in the internal volume of the connector section.