Flow-Separated Female Connector Assembly for Dual Fluid Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick connectors for fluid pipelines in vehicle cooling systems require separate inlet and outlet connections, leading to complex shapes and assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly with a male and female connector design that integrates inlet and outlet channels using a flow separating seal, allowing a single connector to function as both an inlet and outlet, with sealed separation of channels through radial and circumferential sealing portions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate inlet and outlet connections are used in quick connectors, then fluid connection reliability is improved, but connector shape complexity and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate inlet and outlet connections into a single integrated connector body. The connector housing integrates both fluid pathways, allowing the male and female connectors to connect through one unified interface rather than requiring separate connection points for inlet and outlet flows.
Solution Approach 2:
The single connector design performs multiple functions simultaneously - it establishes both inlet and outlet fluid connections through one connector interface. The connector body is designed to accommodate both fluid pathways within its structure, making it a multi-functional component that replaces what would traditionally require separate connection elements.
2Reliability
If separate inlet and outlet connections are used in quick connectors, then fluid connection reliability is improved, but assembly process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the assembly process by allowing both inlet and outlet connections to be established simultaneously through a single connector assembly action. The internal flow separating seal and channel structure are pre-integrated into the connector housing, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps for different fluid pathways.
3Device complexity
If a single connector integrates both inlet and outlet functions, then connector shape simplification is achieved, but fluid pathway separation and sealing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the internal fluid pathways using a flow separating seal that divides the connector interior into distinct inlet and outlet channels. This seal creates clear separation between the two fluid pathways within the unified connector body, preventing cross-contamination while maintaining the simplified external shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow separating seal acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the need for unified external shape and internal pathway separation. This seal structure enables the connector to maintain both the simplified external form and the required internal fluid pathway independence.
4Ease of manufacture
If a single connector integrates both inlet and outlet functions, then assembly simplification is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the assembly operations for inlet and outlet connections into a single action. The connector housing is designed with integrated features that guide and align both fluid pathways simultaneously during assembly, reducing the number of assembly steps while requiring precise manufacturing of the integrated structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing different structural features in different regions of the connector housing. The flow separating seal, sealing surfaces, and channel geometries are precisely engineered in specific locations to ensure proper fluid pathway separation and sealing, while the overall connector maintains a simplified form.
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
Simplifies the shape and assembly of the exhaust box by integrating both functions into a single connector, ensuring sealed and separated fluid pathways, enhancing ease of connection and manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
a flow separating seal, allowing the inlet section and the outlet section respectively to fluidly connect with the male connector inlet channel and the male connector outlet channel in a sealed manner
Data Source
AI summary
A female connector comprises a female connector housing and a flow separating seal. The female connector housing comprises a connecting section, an inlet section and an outlet section of which each being generally tubular. The connecting section comprises a first end and a second end opposite to each other, and the inlet section and the outlet section are connected to the first end and in fluid connection with the connecting section. The connecting section receives the male connector housing via the second end. The flow separating seal is arranged in the female connector housing. The flow separating seal is configured to allow the inlet section and the outlet section respectively to fluidly connect with a male connector inlet channel and a male connector outlet channel in a sealed manner to form a connector assembly inlet channel and a connector assembly outlet channel separated from each other.