Fluid Connector Holder Assembly With Tolerance Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector holder-connector units in thermal management systems for vehicles are unstable under transverse forces due to thin connecting webs between deformable spacers, leading to potential separation and detachment of fluid connectors.
Innovation Solution
The connector holder-connector unit is designed with separate components including a connector holder, fluid connectors, and tolerance compensation devices, where the compensation devices are inserted into receptacles, allowing for tolerance compensation in x and y directions while maintaining stability by preventing tilting and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If deformable spacers with thin connecting webs are used to connect fluid connectors to the connector holder, then tolerance compensation is enabled, but stability and reliability deteriorate under transverse forces
Solution Approach 1:
The connector holder is divided into multiple receptacles, each independently receiving a fluid connector and a tolerance compensation device. This segmentation allows each connection point to compensate for tolerances independently while maintaining overall structural stability through the distributed receptacle design.
Solution Approach 2:
A tolerance compensation device acts as an intermediary element between the connector holder and the fluid connectors. This mediator absorbs dimensional variations and misalignments, enabling reliable connection while preventing direct transmission of transverse forces to the thin connecting webs.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate components are used for connector holder, fluid connectors, and tolerance compensation devices, then manufacturing flexibility and tolerance compensation improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector holder design integrates multiple functions into the receptacle structure: it provides mechanical support, guides fluid connector insertion, houses the tolerance compensation device, and enables stable connection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components while maintaining manufacturing flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The tolerance compensation device is nested within the receptacle of the connector holder, and the fluid connector is positioned within the receptacle alongside the compensation device. This nested arrangement consolidates multiple components into a compact integrated unit, reducing overall complexity while preserving the benefits of separate manufacturing.
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 design provides enhanced stability and tolerance compensation, enabling secure attachment of coolant lines to cooling elements despite manufacturing tolerances, preventing unintentional separation and detachment of fluid connectors.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one tolerance compensation device is designed as a compensation element and can be inserted or fitted into a respective one of the receptacles of the at least one connector holder and serves, on the one hand, to fix the position of the at least two fluid connectors in the receptacles, and, on the other hand, to enable tolerance compensation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
In a connector holder-connector unit (1), comprising at least one connector holder (2), at least two fluid connectors (3, 4) and in each case at least one tolerance compensation device, wherein the at least one connector holder (2) has at least two receptacles (20, 21) for receiving the at least two fluid connectors (3, 4), the connector holder (2), the at least two fluid connectors (3, 4) and the at least one tolerance compensation device for tolerance compensation with regard to the arrangement of the respective fluid connector (3, 4) in a respective one of the receptacles (20, 21) of the at least one connector holder (2) are each designed and manufactured as separate parts and can be joined or are joined into one another, the at least one tolerance compensation device is designed as a compensation element (5, 6) and is inserted into a respective one of the receptacles (20,21) of the at least one connector holder (2) and serves on the one hand to fix the position of the at least two fluid connectors (3, 4) in the receptacles (20, 21), and on the other hand to enable tolerance compensation.