Fluid Line Adapter Retention for Leak-Proof Vibration Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid line connection arrangements in motor vehicles face challenges in providing durable, lightweight, and leak-proof connections that withstand high pressures and vibrations, with limited fastening means and difficulty in configuring secure adapters.
Innovation Solution
A connection arrangement device featuring an adapter body with retention features and a mating block, where the adapter body is securely retained within the mating block through interaction of retention and mating features, utilizing materials like aluminum and polymer, and incorporating seal washers for enhanced sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fastening means are used to connect adapters in fluid line systems, then the connection can be secured, but the system becomes heavier and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the adapter body: the retention feature integrates the fastening mechanism directly into the adapter, while the sealing feature incorporates sealing elements (O-rings, gaskets) into the same component. This merging eliminates the need for separate fastening means, reducing system weight and complexity while maintaining reliable connections that withstand vibrations and high pressures in fluid line systems
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter body is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides fluid passage (through the passage bore), mechanical retention (through the retention feature with protrusion and groove), and sealing (through integrated sealing elements). This universal design replaces multiple specialized components, achieving both weight reduction and connection reliability
2Reliability
If traditional sealing configurations are used in adapters, then sealing can be achieved, but the adapter configuration becomes difficult and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing elements (O-rings, gaskets) are integrated directly into the adapter body structure, combining the sealing function with the adapter's mechanical structure. This eliminates the need for separate sealing configurations and simplifies the overall adapter design while ensuring durable sealing that prevents fluid leakage under high pressure and vibration conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter body is designed to be self-sealing through integrated sealing elements that automatically engage with the mating block when the adapter is installed. The retention feature's protrusion and groove geometry ensures proper positioning and compression of sealing elements, creating a self-configuring sealing system that eliminates complex assembly procedures
3Weight of moving object
If lightweight materials are used for adapters, then system weight is reduced, but connection strength under high pressure and vibration may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter body utilizes composite construction combining lightweight materials (such as aluminum or polymer) with strategically placed reinforcement features. The retention feature with its protrusion and groove geometry, along with integrated sealing elements, provides enhanced mechanical strength at critical connection points while maintaining overall lightweight construction suitable for automotive fluid line systems
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A connection arrangement device for making a secure connection with at least one tube in a fluid line includes at least one adapter body having a passage bore with at least two outlets, and a mating block which is formed with at least one component and also has at least one channel receiving the adapter body. The adapter body includes a retention feature formed outside the adapter body and the mating block includes a mating feature formed inside the channel. Further, the retention feature of the adapter body is configured to interact with the mating feature of the mating block when the adapter body is coupled to the channel of the mating block such that the adapter body is securely retained within the channel of the mating block.