Flexible Fluid Connector for Misalignment and Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid connection systems face difficulties in making connections due to misalignment and vibration issues, especially when using rigid fluid lines, which complicates the assembly process and can lead to insecure seals.
Innovation Solution
A flexible fluid connection system that includes a connector made of a flexible material with a hollow cylindrical and disk-shaped segments, a collar for compression, and fasteners to secure the connection, allowing for misalignment management and vibration attenuation through a compression limiter and clamp mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid fluid line is used to connect components, then the connection provides structural stability, but misalignment between mating features makes connection difficult and may compromise sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible connector with a hollow cylindrical body made of elastomeric material that can flex and deform to accommodate misalignment between mating features. This flexible shell allows the connector to bend and adjust its position, enabling connection even when the fluid line and component are not perfectly aligned, thus resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and ease of connection.
2Ease of manufacture
If a rigid fluid line connection is used, then the assembly process is simplified, but vibration transmission between components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible elastomeric connector acts as a vibration isolator between the fluid line and the component. The elastomeric material's inherent damping properties absorb and dissipate vibrational energy, preventing vibration transmission between connected components while maintaining a secure fluid-tight connection, thus resolving the contradiction between assembly simplicity and vibration control.
3Ease of operation
If a flexible connector is used to manage misalignment, then connection ease is improved, but the connector length and packaging space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible connector is designed with a compact hollow cylindrical structure that provides flexibility within a limited length. The elastomeric material allows the connector to flex and accommodate misalignment without requiring excessive length, thus resolving the contradiction between connection flexibility and compact dimensions for efficient packaging.
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 system provides a secure, flexible, and vibration-isolated connection that can handle misalignment and reduce packaging space, ensuring a fluid-tight seal and robust attachment in various applications, including vehicle cooling systems.
Implementation Method 1
provides vibration isolation
Implementation Method 2
The connector is made of a flexible material
Data Source
AI summary
Flexible fluid connection systems are provided with misalignment management, vibration attenuation and compact packaging for a variety of applications. A fluid connection system includes a component that operates using a fluid. The component defines a surface and a passageway containing the fluid and opening through the surface. A fluid line is configured to convey the fluid relative to the component. A connector is made of a flexible material and is connected with the component and with the fluid line. The connector is positioned against the surface and has an end spaced away from the surface through which the fluid line is received.