Fluid Channel Connector With Annular Adhesive Overflow Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for connecting fluid-carrying lines to components face issues such as uncontrolled adhesive overflow, limited bonding areas, and instability due to separate sealing elements, which complicate the connection process and increase costs.

Innovation Solution

A device where the line is inserted into an annular space formed between two parts, with a press fit ensuring the adhesive only fills a narrow gap, providing a stable and secure connection by filling both the inner and outer gaps, and a slope on one part prevents adhesive overflow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If adhesive is introduced into an annular gap between pipes to join them, then the bonding strength is improved, but the adhesive oozes outwards uncontrollably over the outer wall

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding strengthVSAvoidadhesive overflow
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides the connection structure into two separate parts: an inner part that forms a narrow annular gap for adhesive bonding, and an outer part that forms a wide annular gap as a containment structure. This segmentation prevents adhesive overflow by confining it within the narrow gap between the two parts, while still achieving strong bonding through the narrow gap's adhesive layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The outer part acts as an intermediary containment structure that surrounds the inner part and adhesive joint. It provides a physical barrier that prevents adhesive from escaping outward, while the wide annular gap between the outer part and conduit allows for proper adhesive distribution without overflow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a sealing element with an annular groove is used to connect the hose and sheath, then the sealing function is improved, but the overall stability of the connection decreases due to the thin-walled shaft

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing functionVSAvoidoverall stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The device merges the sealing function and structural support function into a single integrated connection structure. The first part provides both the sealing surface through its narrow annular gap interface and the structural support through the interference fit with the conduit, eliminating the need for separate sealing elements attached to thin-walled shafts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection structure utilizes composite bonding through adhesive material that fills the narrow annular gap between the conduit and first part. This adhesive composite creates both sealing and structural bonding, combining the strengths of chemical bonding with mechanical interference fit to achieve both sealing and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If a separate sealing element is attached to the shaft to form the connection profile, then the sealing capability is improved, but the manufacturing and assembly costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing and assembly costs
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The device merges the sealing element functionality into the main body of the connector as the first part, which is either integrally formed with or attached to the component. This eliminates the need for separate sealing elements, reducing the number of parts, simplifying manufacturing, and lowering assembly costs while maintaining sealing capability through the narrow annular gap design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If the sealing element is attached to the thin-walled shaft, then the sealing function is achieved, but the overall stability of the connection becomes very low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing functionVSAvoidoverall stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments the connection functions between two parts: the first part (integrated with the component) provides structural support through interference fit and houses the sealing interface, while the second part (attached to the hose) provides the connection profile. This segmentation distributes mechanical loads away from thin-walled shafts, improving overall connection stability while maintaining sealing functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This method simplifies the connection process, enhances stability, and prevents adhesive overflow, ensuring a secure attachment of the line to both the inside and outside of the component without compromising the connection's integrity.

Implementation Method 1

the end of the conductor is arranged in an annular space formed between the first part and the second part and fixed by means of an adhesive that at least partially fills the annular space

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

This is preferably achieved by the inner diameter of the conduit and the outer diameter of the first part forming an interference fit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInterference fit: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2545315B1Device for connecting a fluid-conducting channel to an adjacent component
Publication Date: 2022.12.07 EUGEN FORSCHNER
  • EP2545315B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2545315B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2545315B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (10) and method for connecting a fluid-conducting channel (30) to a component (12), in which, at at least one end having an inner cross-section (34), the line (30) is arranged in a sealing manner on a first part (16) of the component (12), which part is provided with a bore (26) for further guiding the fluid and the channel is fixed with respect to the component (12). In order to improve the connection, according to the invention, the component (12) is additionally provided with a second part (18) surrounding the first part (16), and the end of the channel (30) is arranged in an annular space (20) formed between the first part (16) and the second part (18) and is fixed by means of an adhesive (40) at least partly filling in the annular space (20).