Fluid Line Connector With Elastomeric Threaded Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection devices for fluid lines face challenges in providing a cost-effective and secure retention mechanism in carrier components, with high manufacturing precision demands and the need for additional sealing elements.
Innovation Solution
A connection device featuring a fastening body with a rubber-elastic threaded section and an external thread, surrounded by a radial annular outer sealing bead, which provides a form-fit engagement and seal without requiring additional sealing elements, allowing for low-cost production and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional rigid threaded sections are used in connection devices, then manufacturing precision can be maintained, but additional sealing elements are required and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing function with the threaded section by integrating an elastomeric material directly into the threaded structure. The elastomeric threaded section simultaneously provides threading engagement and sealing action, eliminating the need for separate sealing elements such as O-rings or gaskets. This merging of functions reduces both manufacturing cost and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by combining a rigid body (providing structural support) with an elastomeric material (providing sealing and flexible engagement). The threaded section is formed as a composite structure where the elastomeric material is molded onto or into the rigid body, creating a unified component that achieves both mechanical fastening and sealing functions.
2Reliability
If rigid threaded sections with separate sealing elements are used, then sealing reliability can be achieved, but assembly precision demands increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the threaded section by using an elastomeric material instead of rigid material. This allows the threaded section to deform elastically during assembly, accommodating variations in hole alignment and thread engagement without requiring high assembly precision. The elastomeric material's compliance compensates for manufacturing tolerances while maintaining reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric threaded section acts as a flexible element that can deform to accommodate assembly variations. The flexibility of the elastomeric material allows it to conform to slight misalignments in the fastening opening while maintaining thread engagement and sealing contact, thereby reducing assembly precision demands.
3Ease of operation
If elastomeric threaded sections are used, then assembly ease is improved, but manufacturing precision demands increase
Solution Approach 1:
The use of elastomeric material changes the mechanical parameters of the threaded section, allowing it to deform during assembly to accommodate tolerance variations. This elasticity compensates for moderate molding imperfections, enabling easy assembly without requiring extremely high molding precision. The material's compliance absorbs the impact of manufacturing variations.
4Reliability
If conventional connection devices with multiple components are used, then functional requirements are met, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions (retention, sealing, and fastening) into a single integrated elastomeric threaded section. By combining these functions into one component rather than using separate retaining elements, sealing elements, and threaded fasteners, the patent reduces the number of parts, simplifies manufacturing, and lowers production costs while maintaining reliable retention security.
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 ensures secure retention and sealing of fluid lines with reduced manufacturing precision demands, eliminating the need for separate sealing elements and enabling easy assembly, while maintaining a reliable seal and preventing fluid leakage.
Implementation Method 1
at least the threaded section (17) of the fastening body (12) is made from a material with rubber-elastic properties
Data Source
AI summary
A connection device for a fluid line, which has a connection unit that can be fixed in an internally threaded fastening opening of a carrier component by means of an externally threaded section of a fastening element, said threaded section consisting of a rubber elastic material. An insertion opening extends through the connection unit and the fluid line to be connected can be inserted therein so that it projects through an annular retaining element fixed in the fastening element and is retained. The external thread of the threaded section is surrounded by at least one annular outer sealing bead which is an integral part of the threaded section, said sealing bead improving the sealing with respect to the internal thread.