Connector Assembly With Segmented Pressing Points
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting a plug connector to a pipe, such as those made of rigid plastic, are ineffective in creating a sealed and mechanically stable connection, as they are limited to soft-elastic materials and lack reliability and manufacturing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly comprising a pipe, a sealing element, and a plug connector with a connector body featuring an annular chamber and separate casing sections, where a fixing recess and seal retainer are used to form a form-fitting, mechanically stressable connection, allowing for high load absorption and effective sealing, respectively, with the option of producing these components using deep-drawing and injection molding processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single pressing point is used to connect the pipe to the plug connector, then the sealing effect is improved, but the mechanical strength and load absorption are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing tool is divided into two separate pressing points: a first pressing point for mechanical form-fitting connection and a second pressing point for sealing. This segmentation allows each pressing point to specialize in one function, resolving the contradiction between sealing effectiveness and mechanical strength by distributing these requirements to separate locations.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the pipe are assigned different functional qualities: the first pressing point region is optimized for mechanical load bearing through form-fitting connection, while the second pressing point region is optimized for sealing. This local differentiation allows each area to excel at its specific function without compromising the other.
2Strength
If a form-fitting connection is created for mechanical strength, then the load absorption is improved, but the sealing effect is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into two distinct pressing points with separate functions. The first pressing point creates the form-fitting mechanical connection for load absorption, while the second pressing point independently provides the sealing function. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing each pressing point to optimize for its specific purpose.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element acts as an intermediary component between the pipe and plug connector at the second pressing point, specifically tasked with providing the sealing function while the form-fitting connection at the first pressing point handles mechanical loads. This intermediary approach allows the mechanical and sealing functions to be decoupled.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing connection methods are used for rigid plastic pipes, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the connection reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe is pre-equipped with a fixing recess and seal retainer features during its manufacturing process. These preliminary preparations enable the subsequent pressing operation to efficiently create both the form-fitting mechanical connection and the sealing interface in a single integrated step, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and connection reliability.
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 solution enables a cost-effective, reliable, and easily manufacturable connection that can withstand mechanical stresses, ensuring a secure seal and high processing accuracy, suitable for use in vehicle engine compartments.
Implementation Method 1
The first or the second casing section is deformed in the region of the seal retainer so that the sealing element is pressed between the first or second casing section and seal retainer
Implementation Method 2
a first portion of the pressing tool deforms the first casing section so that a form-fitting connection is produced between the pipe and plug connector
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly has a pipe, a sealing element, and a plug connector which includes a connector body. The connector body has an annular chamber which is located between a first exterior section and a second exterior section of the plug connector. A connecting section of the pipe is inserted into the annular chamber of the connector body from the pipe receiving side and is connected thereto. The connecting section of the pipe includes a fastening recess and a seal receptacle which are incorporated in a circumferential surface of the pipe, the seal receptacle being structurally separated from the fastening recess. The first or the second exterior section is deformed in the region of the seal receptacle in such a way that the sealing element is pressed between the first or second exterior section and the seal receptacle.