Filling Adapter Clamping Element to Reduce Port Surface Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Filling adapters with clamping claws or balls cause high mechanical loads on filling ports, leading to surface defects and potential leaks, especially when hard materials are paired with soft material ports, resulting in premature wear and operational disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A partially circular clamping element with a 280° closed ring contour and obliquely upward and inward actuating surfaces, which reduces mechanical stress on the filling port by sliding smoothly along the clamping piston and port, providing a secure seal without the need for clamping balls or claws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If clamping claws or balls made of hard materials are used, then the locking of the filling adapter is secure, but high mechanical loads are applied to the filling port causing surface defects and premature wear
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping element changes its geometric parameters dynamically: in the retracted position it has a smaller diameter allowing free movement, while in the clamped position it expands to a larger diameter providing secure locking. This parameter change enables the clamping element to provide strong locking without requiring hard materials that would damage the filling port.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping element transitions from a static design to a dynamic one by being movable relative to the filling adapter body. It can be retracted to allow free movement of the filling port and extended to provide clamping force, enabling the system to adapt its locking strength while minimizing mechanical load on the filling port during non-clamping phases.
2Force
If clamping elements with hard materials are used, then the clamping force is sufficient for secure locking, but scoring and indentations occur on soft material filling ports
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping element's diameter parameter changes between retracted and clamped positions, allowing it to provide sufficient clamping force when needed while minimizing contact and potential damage during movement and positioning phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The design inherently cushions the interaction between the clamping element and filling port by using a movable element that can be precisely controlled. The gradual engagement and controlled clamping force application prevent sudden impacts and excessive stresses that would cause scoring and indentations on soft material filling ports.
3Ease of operation
If traditional clamping claws or balls are used, then the filling operation can be performed, but visible marks are left on plastic filling ports which is unacceptable to users
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping element's diameter changes between positions, allowing it to engage securely for filling operations while minimizing surface contact and pressure that would create visible marks on plastic filling ports.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping element applies localized clamping force only at the specific contact point with the filling port during the filling operation, rather than distributing force across a larger area or using hard materials that would create widespread visible marks. The local quality of the interaction is optimized to maintain functionality while preserving appearance.
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 design significantly reduces mechanical stress on filling ports, prevents damage, and ensures effective sealing during filling operations, allowing for easier maintenance and reduced manufacturing and assembly costs.
Implementation Method 1
a seal carrier (5) which is arranged above the clamping element (2) on the inner contour of the clamping piston (3), on which carrier a container seal (6) can be supported
Implementation Method 2
the clamping piston, which can be moved in the direction of the base surface of the clamping element, first impacts the actuating surface
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a filling adapter for filling vehicles with various operating materials which are fed from filling systems via connecting lines and filling adapters into circuits and containers of the vehicles. The disclosure provides a mechanical clamping element for such a filling adapter that has a lower mechanical load on the filling port than the known clamping claws or balls. The clamping element has a partially circular contour with a cross-section which, starting from a lower and flat base surface, merges upwards into two side surfaces which are arranged at right angles to the base surface and run parallel to one another, wherein the two side surfaces each merge at their end section arranged opposite the base surface into an actuating surface that runs obliquely upwards and inwards.