Compact Duct Coupling with Integrated Locking and Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluidic connection devices for conduits, particularly in motor vehicles, are complex in assembly due to the integration of a spring tab at the distal end requiring an additional peripheral ring for locking, which lengthens the connection and complicates the assembly process.
Innovation Solution
A compact fluidic connection device design where the connection area is separated from the locking area and protected by a skirt, featuring a spring tab with a housing for pin reception, eliminating the need for an O-ring and minimizing parts, while ensuring a watertight connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring tab at the distal end with an additional peripheral ring is used for locking, then the connection is secured, but the assembly becomes more complex and the connection length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking function and the peripheral ring function into a single integrated spring tab structure. The spring tab includes a locking portion that engages with a locking groove and a peripheral ring portion that provides sealing support, eliminating the need for separate locking components and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining connection security
Solution Approach 2:
The spring tab is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides locking engagement through its locking portion and sealing support through its peripheral ring portion. This universal component replaces multiple separate parts (locking mechanism + sealing ring), simplifying the overall device structure while ensuring reliable connection
2Reliability
If a spring tab at the distal end with an additional peripheral ring is used for locking, then the connection is secured, but the connection length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking portion and peripheral ring portion are merged into a single spring tab component, allowing the locking mechanism to be positioned more compactly. The integrated design enables the locking engagement to occur closer to the connection interface, reducing the overall connection length while maintaining secure locking
3Device complexity
If the connection area is not separated from the locking area, then the structure is simpler, but the connection is not protected and sealing is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The spring tab is segmented into distinct functional portions: a locking portion with a locking hook for engagement with the locking groove, and a peripheral ring portion that surrounds the connection area. This segmentation allows the locking function and sealing protection function to be spatially separated while integrated in one component, protecting the connection area without excessive structural complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
The application relates to a fluid connection device connecting a first end piece (A) of a first tubing element or a first piece of equipment such as a filtration device to a second end piece (B) of a second tubing element or a second piece of equipment, the device comprising the first end piece (A) and the second end piece (B). The first end piece (A) constitutes a female end piece which comprises a first tubular end (1), the outer face of which bears at least one locking pin (5) or stud and the inner face of which is smooth. The second end piece (B) constitutes a male end piece which comprises a second tubular end (2) which forms, with the first tubular end (1), a coupling portion, and the outer face of which is a smooth face intended to produce, with the smooth inner face of the first tubular end, a sealed link for the connection, the second end piece (B) further comprising: - a skirt (3) intended to at least partially surround the coupling portion; and - a spring tab (4) provided with a housing for receiving the pin (5) for locking together the first and second end pieces (A, B). The skirt (3) is connected to a rear portion of the second tubular end (2) by an annular ring (6) forming, between the second tubular end (2) and the skirt (3), a stop for the insertion of the first tubular end (1).