Fluid Connection Sensor Dome for Reliable Nozzle Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid connection devices for motor vehicles, particularly in pollution control systems, face challenges in ensuring proper connection and detecting defects, especially during maintenance, which can lead to engine damage due to icy water clogging and increased pressure in the engine crankcase.
Innovation Solution
A fluid connection device with a flexible and electrically conductive dome that deforms upon engagement of the male nozzle, providing an electrical connection between terminals to detect the snap-in and ensure reliable connection without modifying the male nozzle, offering a dual fluidic and electrical connection function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dome detection means is implemented to detect male nozzle engagement, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the detection function with the existing female nozzle structure by integrating a flexible conductive dome into the nozzle body. The dome serves dual purposes: it acts as both a mechanical indicator of proper engagement through its deformation and as an electrical conductor to signal the connection status to the vehicle computer, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible conductive dome performs multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as a mechanical sensor that deforms upon male nozzle engagement, an electrical conductor that transmits the engagement signal, and a structural element integrated into the female nozzle assembly. This multi-functionality allows the detection system to be achieved without adding separate dedicated components, thus improving reliability while minimizing complexity increase
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the dome is made electrically conductive to enable detection, then detection capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible conductive material for the dome that combines mechanical flexibility with electrical conductivity in a single material. This composite material approach allows the dome to be manufactured as a single integrated component with both deformation capability and electrical signaling capability, improving detection capability while avoiding the need for separate assembly steps that would increase manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter of the dome from non-conductive to conductive, enabling electrical detection functionality. By selecting a material that inherently possesses both flexibility and conductivity, the patent achieves detection capability enhancement without requiring complex manufacturing processes such as plating or embedding conductive elements, thus maintaining ease of manufacture
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
This solution allows for reliable and permanent diagnosis of the connection by a vehicle computer, preventing overpressure issues and ensuring compliance with emission regulations by accurately detecting the correct engagement of the male and female nozzles.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible and electrically conductive dome which is housed in said female nozzle and which is elastically deformable from a free position without stress in which it has a generally curved shape, to a position stressed by pressing said male nozzle on a vertex of the dome
Data Source
AI summary
Fluid connection device, in particular for a motor vehicle, includes a female nozzle having an internal fluid flow passage, and being configured to receive a male nozzle. A sensor senses that the male nozzle is received within the female nozzle, and an electrical plug electrically connects the sensor to an electrical power source. The sensor includes a flexible, electrically conductive dome located within the female nozzle. In a first position, the dome has a generally curved shape. When the male nozzle is inserted into the female nozzle, the male nozzle presses the dome to deform the dome into a second position. In the second position, the dome has a generally flattened shape and provides an electrical connection between two terminals connected to the electrical.