Fluid Line Coupling with Movable Inner Sleeve for Tight Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicles, the spatially limited installation space and tight bending radii of fluid lines, particularly charge air lines, pose challenges for establishing a stable and fluid-tight connection while accommodating tolerance variations between fluid lines.
Innovation Solution
A connecting element with an outer sleeve and inner sleeve design that allows for movement and angling of fluid line ends within receiving openings, ensuring a captive fixation and effective tolerance compensation through tapered sections and sealing elements, while maintaining a fluid-tight connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the fluid lines are routed with tight bends due to limited space, then the installation space utilization is improved, but the connection stability and fluid-tight seal are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is divided into an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve that can move independently relative to each other. The inner sleeve is separated into a first inner sleeve section and a second inner sleeve section, allowing each section to accommodate the respective fluid line with independent movement, thereby maintaining connection stability despite tight routing bends.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner sleeve is designed to be movable within the outer sleeve, allowing dynamic adjustment to compensate for misalignments and tolerance variations caused by tight bends. The receiving openings are designed to allow movement of the fluid line ends, enabling the connection to adapt to spatial constraints while maintaining fluid-tight sealing.
2Volume of moving object
If the fluid lines are routed with tight bends due to limited space, then the installation space utilization is improved, but the fluid-tight seal is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connection is segmented into multiple sealing interfaces: between the first fluid line and the first inner sleeve section, between the second fluid line and the second inner sleeve section, and between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve. This segmentation allows each sealing interface to independently accommodate misalignments and tolerance variations, preventing fluid leakage even with tight bends.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable inner sleeve within the outer sleeve creates a dynamic sealing system that can adjust to misalignments caused by tight routing. The receiving openings allow the fluid line ends to move while maintaining contact with the sealing surfaces, ensuring continuous fluid-tight sealing despite spatial constraints.
3Reliability
If a rigid connection is used to ensure fluid-tight seal, then the sealing is improved, but the tolerance compensation capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The inner sleeve is designed to move axially and radially within the outer sleeve, providing dynamic tolerance compensation. The receiving openings are designed to allow movement of the fluid line ends while maintaining sealing contact. This dynamic design enables the connection to accommodate tolerance variations and misalignments while preserving fluid-tight sealing through continuous contact between sealing surfaces.
4Reliability
If a complex retention mechanism is used to ensure captive fixation, then the connection stability is improved, but the ease of assembly is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The retention mechanism is segmented into simple geometric features: tapered sections on the inner sleeve that engage with corresponding features on the outer sleeve, and protrusions on the fluid lines that fit into recesses in the inner sleeve. These segmented, simple features provide effective captive fixation without requiring complex assembly procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a connecting element (105) for making a fluid connection with two fluid lines (101, 103), comprising an outer sleeve (107) which defines a first opening (109) for inserting a first fluid line (101) and which defines a second opening (111) facing away from the first opening (109) for inserting a second fluid line (103), and an inner sleeve (113) which is arranged inside the outer sleeve (107), wherein the inner sleeve (113) has a first inner sleeve section (115) extending towards the first opening (109) and a second inner sleeve section (117) extending towards the second opening (111), wherein a first receiving opening (119) for receiving a first line end (101-1) of the first fluid line (101) is formed between the first inner sleeve section (115) and the outer sleeve (107).and wherein a second receiving opening (121) for receiving a second line end (103-1) of the second fluid line (103) is formed between the second inner sleeve section (117) and the outer sleeve (107), and wherein the first and second inner sleeve sections (115, 117) are designed to allow movement of the respective first and second line ends (101-1, 103-1) of the respective first and second fluid lines (101, 103) within the respective first and second receiving openings (119, 121).