Fluid Connection System with Elastic Retaining Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid connection systems in vehicles suffer from instability and potential leakage due to free movements between connected elements under system pressure, leading to wear and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A connection system comprising a male and female connection end with a retaining element and a gasket that prevents relative movements and ensures hermeticity, allowing for easy assembly and adaptation to various system components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a retaining element is used to connect the male and female connection ends, then the assembly is facilitated and connection is simplified, but free movements between connected elements cannot be avoided under system pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from a static clearance-based design to a dynamic pressure-compensated design. The elastic element dynamically adjusts the connection tension based on system pressure, maintaining stability while allowing for pressure-induced movements. This resolves the contradiction by making the connection adaptable rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the connection by introducing pressure-dependent tension through the elastic element. As pressure increases, the elastic element stretches or compresses to maintain optimal connection tension, preventing both excessive movement and connection failure. This parameter change resolves the stability issue while preserving assembly ease.
2Ease of manufacture
If clearance is left between connection ends to allow relative rotation during assembly, then mounting is facilitated, but wear of metallic components occurs under pressure leading to leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic element creates a dynamic tensioning mechanism that adapts to pressure changes. During assembly, the clearance allows rotation and positioning, but once pressurized, the elastic element tensions up to eliminate play and secure the connection, preventing wear and leakage while maintaining manufacturing ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element is pre-installed in a relaxed state that allows easy assembly with clearance. Once the connection is made and pressure is applied, the elastic element automatically tensions to eliminate clearance and secure the connection. This preliminary configuration resolves the contradiction between easy assembly and reliable sealing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the connection system is designed to allow free movement between elements, then assembly flexibility is improved, but component wear increases and system reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system employs a dynamic tensioning mechanism through the elastic element that provides flexibility during assembly but automatically secures the connection under operating pressure. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by adapting the connection characteristics from flexible to secure based on operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element is configured to counteract the tendency toward excessive movement before wear can occur. During assembly, it allows necessary flexibility, but as pressure builds, it pre-tensions to prevent further movement and wear, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving assembly adaptability.
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 stability and prevents leakage at all times, facilitating quick and safe assembly while maintaining high efficiency and withstanding pressure peaks up to 1000 bar.
Implementation Method 1
The connection system comprises a male connection end, a female connection end and a retaining element. The male connection end is designed to be inserted into the female connection end along an axial direction to connect both ends. The two connection ends are connected in shape coupling and are tightly assembled through the retaining element.
Implementation Method 2
The connection system comprises a male connection end, a female connection end and a retaining element. The male connection end is designed to be inserted into the female connection end along an axial direction to connect both ends. The two connection ends are connected in shape coupling and are tightly assembled through the retaining element.
Data Source
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AI summary
A connection system for fluid conduction, comprising a male connection end (2), a female connection end (3) and a retaining element (4). The male connection end (2) comprises a retaining groove (21) which makes up a first recess (22). The female connection end (3) comprises a retaining hole (31) which makes up a second recess (32) facing the first recess (22). The retaining element (4) is designed to be inserted through the retaining hole (31) and be housed between the first recess (22) and the second recess (32) to keep the male connection end (2) attached to the female connection end (3) when both ends (2, 3) are connected. The connection system (1) comprises a gasket (5) placed between the male connection end (2) and the female connection end (3), configured to hinder relative movements of said ends (2, 3) when connected along an axial direction (X).