Fluid Duct Bead Geometry for Secure Boot Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid ducts with beads on their outer periphery face issues with secure clamping due to boot slippage when pressurized, leading to unreliable connections.
Innovation Solution
The fluid duct design incorporates specific radii and distances in the bead geometry, including radii R1, R2, R3, and R4, and distances d1, d2, to create a smooth corner and flat surface for the elastomeric boot, preventing slippage and ensuring a secure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bead is added to the outer periphery of the duct to position the clamp, then the clamp positioning is improved, but the boot slippage occurs when pressurized leading to unreliable connections
Solution Approach 1:
The bead geometry is optimized with specific radii (R1, R2, R3, R4) and distances (d1, d2) to create different local characteristics: a smooth corner region for the boot to slide over and a flat surface region to prevent slippage. This local differentiation of geometric properties prevents boot slippage while maintaining clamp positioning functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The bead incorporates specific curved surfaces with defined radii (R1 for the forward face, R2 for the rear face, R3 and R4 for corner radii) that create a smooth transition for the boot while providing a flat anchoring surface. The curvature design allows the boot to properly engage and prevents slippage under pressure.
2Ease of manufacture
If the bead geometry is simplified for ease of manufacture, then the manufacturing process is easier, but the boot slippage prevention is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Specific geometric parameters (radii R1-R4 and distances d1-d2) are defined with optimal ranges to achieve both manufacturability and functional performance. The radius ratios (R1/R2 between 2.1-4.8, d1/d2 between 0.200-0.270) provide a balanced design that can be manufactured using standard processes while ensuring reliable boot engagement and slippage prevention.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A fluid duct (22) has a plastic body (27) with a forward cylindrical portion (117) having an outer periphery and a rear cylindrical portion (118) having an outer periphery. The forward and rear cylindrical portions (117, 118) are at equal radial distances from a center line of the duct. A bead (28) is formed on an outer periphery of the duct body (27) intermediate the forward and rear cylindrical portions (117, 118). The bead (28) has a radially outermost first distance (d1) measured perpendicularly away from the outer periphery of the forward cylindrical portion (117). A second distance (d2) is defined between a forward end (29) of the duct body (27) to a rearmost end of the bead (28). The ratio of the first distance (d1) to the second distance (d2) is between .200 and .270.