Fluid Reservoir Connection Device with Breakable Neck and Removable Sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connections between fluid reservoirs and conduits in vehicles, such as those used in motor vehicles, are difficult to disassemble and reassemble due to manufacturing techniques like blow molding that create joint planes, leading to potential leaks and mechanical weaknesses.
Innovation Solution
A connection system using an intermediate neck with protruding rings that can be cut to separate and reassemble the reservoir and conduit, allowing for easy replacement and reconnection using a sleeve and clamping means, ensuring a robust and leak-proof seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welding is used to connect the reservoir to the conduit, then the connection is secure and definitive, but the assembly cannot be easily disassembled or reassembled
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is divided into a permanent welded neck portion and a removable sleeve portion. The neck remains welded to both the reservoir and conduit for structural integrity, while the sleeve can be removed and reinstalled as needed, enabling both strong connection and easy disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
A removable sleeve is introduced as an intermediary component between the welded neck and the conduit. This sleeve acts as a mediator that can be easily removed and reinstalled, providing the disassembly capability without compromising the permanent welded connection's strength.
2Productivity
If blow molding is used to manufacture the reservoir and conduit, then production is efficient, but joint planes are created that lead to leaks and mechanical weaknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The injection-molded neck serves as an intermediary component that connects the blow-molded reservoir and conduit. This intermediate piece eliminates the need for direct connection at the joint planes, thereby preventing leaks and mechanical weaknesses while maintaining efficient production of all components.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing process of the neck is changed from blow molding to injection molding. This parameter change in manufacturing technique produces a neck without joint planes, eliminating the source of leaks and mechanical weaknesses while maintaining production efficiency.
3Device complexity
If direct connection is used between reservoir and conduit, then the structure is simple, but disassembly and replacement of components is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into distinct functional portions: a permanent welded neck and a removable sleeve. This segmentation allows the sleeve to be easily removed and replaced for maintenance or component replacement, while the neck maintains the structural connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection device transitions from a static direct connection to a dynamic system where the sleeve can be removed and reinstalled. This dynamic capability enables easy disassembly and reassembly for repairs or component replacement while maintaining overall structural integrity.
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
Facilitates easy disassembly and reassembly of fluid reservoirs and conduits, maintaining a robust and tight connection, and simplifies the replacement of defective components without the need for extensive manufacturing differentiation between original and aftermarket parts.
Implementation Method 1
these protruding rings allow, a posteriori, to dispose and fixing in place a sleeve ensuring a new connection between the two components
Implementation Method 2
a neck intended to be welded to the one of its ends to the opening of the tank and at the other end to the pipe
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a connection device between the opening (11,12) of a fluid reservoir (1) and a conduit (2), comprising a neck (3) intended to be welded at one end to the opening (11,12) of the reservoir (1) and at the other end to the conduit (2), such that the neck (3) is provided with two protruding rings (31) on its outer perimeter, and such that said neck (3) is breakable in a cutting zone (33) located between the two rings.