Plastic Fluid Connection Insert for Leak-Proof Threaded Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid connection units using imperial, conical threads often result in leaks due to excessive or insufficient sealant, leading to water damage and financial losses.

Innovation Solution

A fluid connection unit design where the base body and insert element are manufactured separately and joined, allowing for non-rotationally symmetrical insert elements and high-temperature plastic materials, with features like conical internal threads and radially outward locking knobs for enhanced sealing and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conical threads with sealant are used for fluid connections, then sealing capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and risk of leakage increase due to improper sealant application

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection unit is divided into two separate components: a base body and an insert element with internal thread. The insert element is manufactured separately with the thread already formed, then inserted into the base body. This segmentation eliminates the need to form complex threads directly in the base body, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining sealing capability through the integrated insert element design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Temperature

If high-temperature plastic is used for base body, then temperature resistance is improved, but thread formation capability deteriorates due to material properties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature resistanceVSAvoidthread formation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The base body made of high-temperature plastic is separated from the threaded component. The insert element with internal thread is manufactured separately using suitable materials and processes, then inserted into the high-temperature plastic base body. This allows the base body to maintain its temperature resistance while the insert element provides the threaded connection interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insert element acts as an intermediary component that bridges the high-temperature plastic base body and the threaded connection requirement. Instead of trying to form threads directly in the plastic (which is difficult), the insert element with pre-formed threads is inserted into the base body, providing the threading function without compromising the base body material properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If insert element is non-rotationally symmetrical, then rotational stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational stabilityVSAvoidinsert element geometry
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insert element is designed with non-rotationally symmetrical geometry, particularly with flat sides or polygonal cross-section instead of a circular profile. This asymmetric design prevents the insert element from rotating within the base body after insertion, ensuring rotational stability of the connection. The asymmetric shape is easily manufactured and provides a simple yet effective solution to prevent rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP4261450B1Fluid connection unit
Publication Date: 2025.05.21 FRANKISCHE ROHRWERKE GEBR KIRCHNER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4261450B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4261450B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a fluid connection unit (10) comprising a base body (12) made of plastic and an insert element (14) made of plastic, wherein the base body (12) defines a fluid flow channel (32), wherein the insert element (14) has an internal thread (28), wherein a nozzle (44) is arranged on the base body (12) which is configured for connection to the fluid line, wherein a receptacle (24) is arranged on the base body (12) which is configured to receive the insert element (14) in such a way that a service-tight connection is formed between the base body (12) and the insert element (14), which is non-destructively separable at least in one direction opposite to the insertion direction of the insert element (14) into the base body (12).