Fluid Connection Insert for Corrugated Pipe Port Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rubber fluid lines in vehicles are not resistant to mechanical loads and require preformed curvatures, limiting their applications and necessitating specific tooling for each application.
Innovation Solution
A fluid connection unit comprising a base body and a resilient insert element with radially projecting protrusions, allowing connection of corrugated pipes to existing fluid line ports, enabling flexible manufacturing and use of different fluid line designs.
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 mechanical loads and external influences deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid connection unit is divided into two separate components: a base body and an insert element. The insert element can be manufactured separately and connected to the base body, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability and ease of installation
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid connection unit combines different materials with complementary properties: the base body provides structural strength and rigidity to resist mechanical loads, while the insert element made of resilient material provides flexibility and ease of installation. This composite structure resolves the contradiction between strength and flexibility
2Reliability
If rubber fluid lines are preformed with specific curvatures during manufacture, then resistance to kinking and mechanical loads is improved, but adaptability to different applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the fluid connection unit into a base body and a removable insert element, the system allows the insert to be exchanged for different applications while the base body remains the same. This enables adaptability to different curvatures and configurations without compromising the structural integrity and kink resistance provided by the base body design
Solution Approach 2:
The base body is designed as a universal component that can accommodate different insert elements with varying curvatures and configurations. This multi-functional design allows a single base body to serve multiple applications, resolving the contradiction between maintaining structural reliability and adapting to different installation requirements
3Reliability
If custom fluid lines are manufactured for each specific application with special tooling, then resistance to external influences is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The separation of the base body and insert element allows for standardized manufacturing of the base body that provides resistance to external influences, while the insert elements can be produced more simply and exchanged as needed. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex custom tooling for each application while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
A single universal base body design can serve multiple applications by accommodating different insert elements, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and eliminating the need for application-specific tooling while maintaining the required resistance to external influences through the standardized base body construction
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 corrugated pipes that can be bent as needed, supports connection to various fluid line ports, and enhances connection strength and security with a clamping element, facilitating quality assurance through machine-readable codes.
Implementation Method 1
an insert element (38) comprising a resilient material, having at least one radially outwardly projecting protrusion (40)
Data Source
AI summary
A unit for connecting a fluid line to a port of a superordinate assembly, comprising a base body comprising a connection piece at one axial end for connection to the fluid line and a receiving portion at another axial end. The unit comprises an insert element comprising a resilient material and at least one radially outwardly projecting protrusion. The insert element defines, in its interior, an axial central connection opening and is separate from and connectable to the base body. The at least one protrusion projects into a corresponding aperture formed in an area of the receiving portion. Each protrusion comprises a blocking flank extending outwardly in a substantially radial direction and facing the axial end of the base body opposite the connection piece. The blocking flank is configured to abut against a respective blocking protrusion on the base body in a receiving portion engaged state of the insert element.