Fluid Line Coupling Radial Locking Clip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid line couplings for connecting fluid-carrying components, particularly in internal combustion engines, are not easily handled, especially in inaccessible areas, and lack reliability and cost-effective manufacturability.
Innovation Solution
A fluid line coupling design featuring a tubular body, a socket, and a radially adjustable securing clip that transitions between a securing and unlocking position, allowing easy assembly and disassembly without tools, with features like a radially inward protruding securing web and a circumferentially extending securing groove, and radial seals for fluid integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fluid line coupling uses a traditional securing mechanism, then the connection is secure, but the assembly and disassembly require tools and are difficult to perform in inaccessible areas
Solution Approach 1:
The securing clip is designed to be manually operable without tools, allowing the user to switch between securing and unlocking positions by simply pressing the release element. The clip's resilient nature enables it to be actuated by hand pressure alone, making the coupling suitable for blind installation and disassembly in inaccessible areas while maintaining secure connection when engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing clip is designed as a resilient element that can dynamically switch between two stable states: a securing position where it engages the socket and tubular body, and an unlocking position where it disengages. This dynamic capability allows the connection to be securely locked during operation but easily released when needed, without requiring tools or complex mechanisms.
2Reliability
If the securing clip encloses more than 180° of the tubular body, then the connection becomes more secure, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The securing clip is designed as a C-shaped resilient element that encloses approximately 180° of the tubular body, rather than a full 360° enclosure. This segmented approach provides sufficient securing force through the engaged portion while maintaining simplicity in manufacturing and assembly. The clip's resilient nature compensates for the partial enclosure, ensuring reliable connection without excessive structural complexity.
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 simplifies handling and assembly, ensures secure connections without excessive force, and maintains reliability, while being cost-effective and suitable for use in fresh air systems of internal combustion engines.
Implementation Method 1
the securing clip (6) is designed to be radially resilient
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a fluid line coupling (1) for mechanically and fluidically coupling a fluid-carrying first component (2) with a fluid-carrying second component (3), with a pipe body (4) that the first component (2) has or that can be attached to the first component (2), with a nozzle (5) that can be inserted coaxially into the pipe body (4) and that the second component (3) has or that can be attached to the second component (3). The ease of use is achieved with a locking clamp (6) which is arranged on the outside of the pipe body (4), which surrounds the pipe body (4) in a circumferential direction (9) over more than 180° and which is radially adjustable relative to the pipe body (4) between a locking position, in which the nozzle (5) inserted into the pipe body (4) cannot be pulled out of the pipe body (4), and a unlocking position, in which the nozzle (5) inserted into the pipe body (4) can be pulled out of the pipe body (4).wherein the nozzle (5) has a locking groove (12) on its outer side (11) extending in the circumferential direction (9), wherein the pipe body (4) has a locking slot (13) extending in the circumferential direction (9), wherein the locking clamp (6) has a radially inwardly projecting locking rib (15) on its inner side (14) extending in the circumferential direction (9), which in the locked position engages radially through the locking slot (13) into the locking groove (12) and which in the unlocked position is released from the locking slot into the locking groove (12).