Corrugated Pipe Connection Assembly for Flexible Fluid Line Routing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Rubber fluid lines in vehicles are not resistant to external influences and require pre-formed bends, limiting their use and necessitating customized production for each application.
Innovation Solution
A fluid connection unit that allows connection of corrugated pipes to existing fluid line connections, featuring a two-part design with an insert element and base body, enabling flexible bending during use and compatibility with different fluid line connections, reinforced by a clamping element and incorporating a code section for quality assurance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rubber fluid lines are used to connect components in the engine compartment, then flexibility and ease of installation are improved, but resistance to external influences such as mechanical stress deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a corrugated pipe structure with wave troughs and wave crests that provides flexibility for installation while maintaining resistance to mechanical stress. The corrugated design allows the pipe to bend and flex during installation yet resist kinking and external forces during operation, resolving the contradiction between ease of installation and mechanical durability.
2Manufacturing precision
If rubber fluid lines are pre-formed with specific bends during production, then suitability for specific applications is improved, but manufacturing flexibility and adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fluid line into a modular system consisting of a base body and a separate corrugated pipe section. This segmentation allows the corrugated pipe to be manufactured in a straight, standardized form while enabling flexible bending and adaptation to different application requirements during installation, eliminating the need for customized pre-formed bends for each application.
3Reliability
If customized fluid lines are produced for each specific application using special tools, then fit and function for specific applications are improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal base body with a standardized receiving portion that can accommodate different corrugated pipe configurations. This universal design allows the same base body to be used across multiple applications with different bending requirements, eliminating the need for application-specific custom tools and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining proper fit and function.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a two-part design with insert element and base body is used, then adaptability to different fluid line connections is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested design where the insert element is inserted into the receiving portion of the base body. This nesting approach allows the two-part structure to provide adaptability through the insert element's axial central connection opening while maintaining a compact integrated appearance. The nested configuration reduces the perceived complexity compared to side-by-side component arrangements.
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
Enables cost-effective production of straight corrugated pipes that can be bent as needed, supports multiple connection types, and ensures secure, high-pressure resistance with enhanced manufacturing flexibility and quality control.
Implementation Method 1
a clamping element (34) which is configured to engage with the receiving portion (20) and, in a state engaged with the receiving portion, to exert a force on the at least one projection (40) such that an inner wall defining the axial central connection opening (44) of the insert element (38) is preloaded radially inward
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a fluid connection unit (10), comprising a main body (12), which has a receiving portion (20), an insert element (38), which has at least one radially outwardly protruding protrusion (40) and in its interior defines an axial central connection opening (44), the insert element (38) being produced separately from the main body (12) and being connectable to the main body (12) in such a way that the at least one protrusion (40) projects in each case into a corresponding aperture (42) which is formed in the region of the receiving portion (20), and the at least one protrusion (40) having a blocking flank (48), which together with the associated protrusion (40) extends outwardly in a substantially radial direction and points toward the axial end of the main body (12) opposite the connection piece (14), the blocking flank (48) being designed, when the insert element (38) is engaged with the receiving portion (20), to bear against a blocking protrusion (28) which is formed on the main body (12).