Fluid Line Connection Assembly With Axial Sealing and Quick Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connection arrangements for fluid lines and containers require increased assembly and manufacturing efforts due to complex screw connections and material bonding processes, involving multiple steps and tools.

Innovation Solution

A connection arrangement featuring a tubular connecting element with axially aligned sealing surfaces and a connecting section that can be quickly inserted into a wall element, forming a fluid-tight seal through rotational movement or pressure, eliminating the need for multiple assembly steps and tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional screw connections or material bonding processes are used to connect fluid lines to containers, then reliable fluid-tight connections are achieved, but assembly effort and manufacturing complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid-tight connection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into two separate components: a wall element with integrated sealing structure and a connecting element with complementary sealing surfaces. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex bonding processes while maintaining reliable fluid-tight connections through mechanical insertion and sealing surface contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing function is merged directly into the wall element by providing a flat bearing surface and sealing geometry within the wall element itself, rather than requiring separate sealing components or bonding materials. This integration simplifies the overall assembly process while ensuring reliable sealing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Stability of the object's composition

If multiple assembly steps including positioning and securing are used to attach nozzles to containers, then stable connections are achieved, but assembly time and labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The wall element is pre-configured with the sealing structure and geometric features during manufacturing, so that during assembly only a single insertion and rotation movement is required. The preliminary preparation of the sealing surface and locking geometry eliminates the need for multiple positioning and securing steps, reducing assembly time while maintaining connection stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If conventional connection methods requiring several work steps are used, then secure fluid lines to containers are achieved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid line connection securityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting element is designed to self-align and self-seal during the single movement assembly process. The geometric features of the connecting element automatically position themselves relative to the wall element, and the sealing surfaces engage automatically upon insertion and rotation, eliminating the need for additional securing operations and reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If traditional fittings requiring screwing or flange attachment are used, then reliable container connections are achieved, but assembly simplicity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer connection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection process transitions from static multi-step operations (screwing, flange attachment) to a dynamic single-movement operation (insertion followed by rotation). The rotational movement dynamically engages the sealing surfaces and locking features, achieving reliable connection in one continuous action that is simpler to perform than traditional methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution reduces assembly effort by allowing a single movement sequence for mounting, enabling quick and efficient fluid-tight connections without gluing or welding, and can be used in various applications such as tanks, vessels, and containers.

Implementation Method 1

The first sealing surface can, for example, be designed as a radially circumferential groove with an O-ring. The axially directed contact pressure can, for example, be generated by a connecting element that has contact ramps.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3810969B1Connection arrangement for forming a fluidic connection and method
Publication Date: 2024.07.03 NORMA GERMANY GMBH
  • EP3810969B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3810969B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5b
  • EP3810969B1 patent drawingFigure 6a~6b

AI summary

The invention relates to a connection arrangement (34) for forming a fluidic connection between a container and a fluid line, comprising a wall element (1) arranged in or on a container wall of the container and having an opening (2), and comprising a tubular connection element (8) having two sealing surfaces (14, 22), wherein the connection element (8) has a sealing section (12) at the end which is arranged around the circumference on the connection element (8) and has an axially oriented sealing surface (14), and wherein the connection element (8) has a second sealing surface (22) around the circumference at an end (20) opposite the sealing section (12), wherein the connection element (8) has a connection section (10) in the region of the first sealing surface (14) for introducing into the opening (2) of the wall element (1) and for connecting to the wall element (1). The invention also relates to a method for fluidically connecting a connection element (8) to a wall element (1).