Fluid Line Adapter Retention Structure for Leak-Tight Vibration Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current connection arrangements in motor vehicle air conditioning systems face challenges in providing a durable and secure connection while being lightweight, due to limited fastening means and difficulties in configuring adapters for effective sealing, especially under high pressures and vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A connection arrangement device comprising an adapter body with retention features and a mating block with mating features, including a beam-type retention feature and a groove, along with a seal washer for interference-fit sealing, and a method involving laser welding for secure tube attachment, allowing for stable and durable connections in fluid line systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional fastening means are used to connect adapters in fluid line systems, then connection strength is improved, but device weight increases and connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection arrangement is divided into distinct functional components: an adapter body with retention features, a mating block with corresponding mating features, and sealing elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for strength while minimizing overall weight by eliminating unnecessary material.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter body is inserted into the mating block channel, with retention features nested within corresponding grooves or holes in the mating block. This nested configuration provides secure mechanical interlocking and durable sealing while maintaining a compact, lightweight structure without requiring additional fastening hardware.
2Reliability
If traditional adapter configurations are used for sealing, then sealing capability is improved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention features and sealing features are merged into a single integrated adapter body structure. The retention features (protrusions or beams) are formed as integral parts of the adapter body, eliminating the need for separate sealing components and simplifying both the adapter configuration and manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
Sealing capability is enhanced through localized features such as sealing beads or ribs positioned at specific locations on the adapter body where contact with the mating block occurs. This localized approach provides effective sealing without requiring complex overall adapter configurations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional connection arrangements are used, then connection durability under vibration is improved, but device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beam-type retention features are designed to flexibly engage with the mating block, allowing dynamic response to vibration and pressure loads. This dynamic engagement maintains connection stability under varying operating conditions while keeping the structure lightweight.
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 solution enables a lightweight, durable, and secure connection in fluid line systems, effectively preventing fluid leakage and maintaining stability under vibrations and high pressures, suitable for various fluid line systems including air conditioning and cooling systems in vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a seal washer for interference-fit sealing
Implementation Method 2
a method involving laser welding for secure tube attachment
Data Source
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 having 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.