Fluid Connection Adapter Segmentation for Pipeline Hose Grommet

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid connection systems face challenges in efficiently connecting pipelines to hose grommets, particularly in the automotive sector, due to the rigidity of pipelines and the need for complex tools and high tolerance requirements, leading to increased costs and pressure losses.

Innovation Solution

A fluid connection adapter with a rigid connection nozzle and a flexible hose grommet holder, designed to accommodate hose grommets, allowing for a direct and reliable fluid power connection between pipelines and hose grommets, utilizing a fir tree profile and seal elements for secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a pipeline is used for fluid connection, then dimensional stability and structural rigidity are improved, but flexibility and ability to compensate for relative movements deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimensional stabilityVSAvoidflexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter divides the connection system into two distinct parts: a rigid connection nozzle for pipeline attachment and a flexible hose grommet holder for hose accommodation. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its properties - the nozzle provides structural stability while the holder provides flexibility and movement compensation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a hose line is used for fluid connection, then flexibility and ease of installation are improved, but material cost and medium resistance requirements deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidmaterial cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter acts as an intermediary component that connects the pipeline to the hose grommet. This mediator allows the use of cost-effective pipeline materials while maintaining the flexibility benefits of hose lines, eliminating the need for expensive specialized hose materials in certain applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If molded hoses are used to adapt to installation space, then dimensional stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and tool requirements deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimensional stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hose grommet holder is designed with flexible walls that can deform during the molding process to accommodate complex installation geometries. This dynamic approach allows the adapter to adapt to various installation spaces without requiring equally complex molding tools, as the flexibility is built into the holder's material properties rather than the tooling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If additional connection points are added to cable routing, then adaptability to installation locations is improved, but reliability and pressure loss deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to installation locationsVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter serves multiple functions: it provides a rigid-to-flexible transition, accommodates various hose grommet types, adapts to different installation spaces through flexible deformation, and maintains reliable fluid connection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional connection points or specialized components for different installation scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3784944B1Fluid connection adapter, fluid connection assembly and method for producing a fluid connection adapter
Publication Date: 2022.06.08 AFT AUTOMOTIVE
  • EP3784944B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3784944B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3784944B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a fluid connection adapter (3) which, for the fluidic connection of a pipeline (23) to a hose nozzle (2), has a rigid connector stub (5) for coupling to the pipeline (23), and a hose nozzle receptacle (17) formed in a flexible hose nozzle receiving element (6) for receiving the hose nozzle (2). The invention also relates to a fluid connection assembly (1) and to a method for producing a fluid connection adapter (3).