Connector Transition Insulation Ring to Prevent Media Line Freezing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Transition areas between connector assemblies in media lines, particularly in vehicles, are prone to freezing due to lack of insulation, leading to impaired functionality, especially in SCR systems where overplugging creates gaps that allow cold to penetrate.

Innovation Solution

An axially compressible, closed ring insulating element made of low thermal conductivity material, such as foam, is placed in the mating area to fill the gap between connector assemblies during overplugging, ensuring complete insulation and a secure fit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the coupling part is pushed onto the plug part as far as it will go (over-plugging) to achieve locking of the retaining clip, then the connector connection is secure and reliable, but a gap remains between the encapsulations of two adjacent plug and coupling parts that is not insulated, allowing cold to penetrate and cause the medium to freeze

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector connection reliabilityVSAvoidfreezing of medium in transition area
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An insulating element is introduced as an intermediary component between the first and second connector assemblies. This element fills the gap that forms during over-plugging, providing thermal insulation to prevent the medium from freezing while allowing the mechanical connection to remain secure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating element provides localized thermal insulation specifically in the transition area between connectors where the medium is susceptible to freezing. This targeted approach insulates only the critical gap region without requiring redesign of the entire connector assembly or additional heating sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Temperature

If the outer encapsulation is extended to cover the plug part in the transition area between two insulation covers, then thermal insulation is improved, but the connector design becomes more complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulation of transition areaVSAvoidconnector design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insulation function is segmented into two parts: the original encapsulations covering the connectors and a separate insulating element covering the transition gap. This segmentation allows each component to maintain its original simple design while the added insulating element provides the necessary thermal protection without complicating the connector structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating element serves as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between encapsulations. Rather than modifying the encapsulations themselves, this separate element provides insulation in the critical transition area, avoiding redesign of existing connector components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a heating option is provided for the media line and plug connector to prevent freezing, then the medium can be kept from freezing, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of medium freezingVSAvoidheating system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using active heating to prevent freezing, the solution converts the passive insulating property of the insulating element into a beneficial thermal barrier. The insulating element traps residual heat and prevents cold penetration without requiring active heating systems, thereby preventing freezing through passive thermal management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating element provides a simple, low-cost solution compared to heating systems. It is a passive thermal barrier that prevents freezing through its insulating properties alone, eliminating the need for complex heating elements, temperature sensors, and control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 insulating element effectively prevents freezing and provides optimal insulation, even in areas remote from heat sources, while being cost-effective and easy to install, ensuring continuous operation and protection against accidental removal.

Implementation Method 1

the insulating element (4) allows axial compression during a mating process of the coupling part (20) and the plug part (10) of two adjacent plug assemblies (1, 2) and allows, after the retaining element (3) has latched, to expand again

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic recovery: Elastic Recovery

Implementation Method 2

consists of a low heat-conducting material, in particular the insulating element (4) is formed at least partially from a compressible material, in particular from a foam material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP3055602A1Multi-part line having an insulating element for insulating a transition region between connector assemblies
Publication Date: 2016.08.17 VOSS AUTOMOTIVE GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to a multi-part line (74), wherein line parts (5, 84, 85) are provided, at ends of said line parts, with at least one connector assembly (1, 2, 100, 101, 200, 201) having at least one retaining element (3), wherein a connector part (10) of the connector assembly (1, 100, 101) of a line part (84) and a coupling part (20) of the connector assembly (2, 200, 201) of the adjacent line part (85) can be or are connected by pushing over and locking the at least one retaining element (3). At least one insulating element (4) is arranged in the push-over region (15) of the connector part (10) of the connector assemblies (1, 2, 101, 200) that can be or are connected to each other, which insulating element (4) is designed as an axially compressible closed ring made of a material that has low heat conduction at least in the outer region of the insulating element (4), which ring has an inner passage opening (42) in order provide insulation in the push-over regions between the connector assemblies, in which push-over regions no heating by means of, for example, the engine of a vehicle or other heat sources occurs, which insulation enables economical and also effective insulation during the operation and also during the standstill of a vehicle and is protected against unintentional or inadvertent removal.