Fluid Line Connection Fitting Sealing Lip Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid line connection fittings face issues with long-term tightness and reliability due to inadequate sealing, particularly with less elastic hose materials and assembly errors, as well as limitations in using commercially available crimp rings and materials that may not optimize sealing performance.
Innovation Solution
A connection fitting with an elastomeric sealing element featuring a circumferential sealing lip formed by an undercut, which ensures sealing even if the fastening means only partially covers the nipple, and can be pressed against the fluid line by fluid pressure, using a material that remains permanently elastic at low temperatures, and can be sprayed or pushed onto the nipple for secure positioning and replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a sealing element with small axial extent is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to displacement or twisting during assembly errors
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is extended in the axial dimension to cover the entire area of the connection nipple protruding into the fluid line. This axial extension ensures that even if assembly errors occur causing displacement or twisting, the sealing element maintains contact with the nipple surface and preserves the sealing effect throughout the connection area.
2Ease of operation
If the hose material has low elasticity, then the ease of operation is improved for certain applications, but the reliability worsens because the sealing effect depends on material elasticity
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is designed to generate its own sealing force through the fluid pressure acting upon it. When fluid penetrates the connection, the pressure causes the sealing element to be pressed against the nipple, creating a self-reinforcing sealing mechanism that does not depend on the elasticity of the hose material. This allows reliable sealing even with less elastic fluid lines.
3Device complexity
If the sealing element covers only part of the connection nipple area, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates because leaks can occur in uncovered areas
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is designed to cover the entire area of the connection nipple protruding into the fluid line, providing excessive coverage beyond what might be minimally required. This comprehensive coverage ensures that all potential leak paths are sealed, guaranteeing tightness throughout the entire connection interface.
4Strength
If a crimp sleeve is used to clamp the hose, then the strength of the connection is improved, but the reliability worsens because the deformation of the hose and seal cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is designed to automatically adjust and press against the nipple in response to fluid pressure, creating a self-regulating sealing system. This eliminates the need for controlled deformation through crimping, as the sealing force is generated and adjusted by the fluid pressure itself, ensuring reliable sealing regardless of the connection strength method used.
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
This solution provides improved and permanent tightness independent of hose material elasticity, ensuring a reliable seal even under increased fluid pressure and assembly errors, while allowing the use of less elastic fluid lines and preventing leaks.
Implementation Method 1
can be pressed against the fluid line when fluid pressure is applied to the connection by any fluid penetrating the undercut
Implementation Method 2
The seal 8 is preferably made of a material that is permanently elastic even at low temperatures
Implementation Method 3
The fluid line 4 slid onto the connection nipple 2 is clamped in place on the connection nipple 2 by means of a crimping ring 7 in the area 6
Implementation Method 4
The clamping sleeve (ferrule 12) presses the hose material onto the seal, deforming both the hose and the seal
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a connection fitting (1) for a fluid line (4). The object of the invention is to improve a connection fitting (1) in such a way that the sealing is permanently improved, regardless of the hose material. This object is achieved by the sealing element (8) radially covering substantially the entire area (3) of the connection nipple (2) projecting into the fluid line (4).