Integrated Fluid Dispensing Valve Connector for Compact Vehicle Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid distribution elements in vehicles face challenges due to increased component complexity, weight, space constraints, and impractical maintenance, particularly in the installation and dislocation of ducts and connectors.
Innovation Solution
A fluid distribution element comprising a control valve with a valve head and a connector that allows for easy assembly and secure attachment, featuring a chamber with inlet and outlet openings, a tubular outlet duct, and seals for hermetic connection, enabling fluid distribution from an inlet to an outlet channel in a single step.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional distribution elements are used to supply fluid to multiple nozzles, then the fluid distribution function is achieved, but the number of components increases leading to increased weight and space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control valve and connector into a single integrated element. The valve body serves as both the valve housing and the connector body, with the connector's inlet channel directly integrated into the valve body structure. This merging eliminates separate components for fluid distribution and control, reducing overall weight while maintaining the ability to supply multiple nozzles.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated element performs multiple functions: it controls fluid flow through the valve mechanism, distributes fluid to multiple outlets through integrated channels, and provides mounting functionality through the unified body structure. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the fluid distribution system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional distribution elements are used to supply fluid to multiple nozzles, then the fluid distribution function is achieved, but the number of components increases leading to increased space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The control valve and connector are merged into a single compact element where the connector body is formed as an integral part of the valve body. The inlet channel is directly integrated into the valve body, eliminating the need for separate connector components and reducing the overall space occupied by the distribution system.
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet ducts are arranged within the connector body in a nested configuration, with multiple outlets positioned at different locations on the body. This nesting approach allows multiple fluid distribution paths to be contained within a compact volume, reducing the space required for the distribution system.
3Reliability
If a valve body with screw connection is used, then the connection is secure, but the insertion and removal of the device becomes complex requiring dislocation of ducts or unscrewing
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated element is designed as a modular unit that can be easily separated from the mounting location. The connector body includes features that allow for simple attachment and detachment without requiring disassembly of ducts or unscrewing of multiple components. This segmentation enables easy maintenance and installation while maintaining secure operation during use.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the number of distribution elements is increased to meet modern vehicle requirements, then the fluid supply capability is improved, but the complexity of the distribution system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the control valve and connector into a single element reduces the total number of components in the distribution system. By combining functions that were previously performed by separate parts, the system becomes less complex while maintaining the ability to supply fluid to multiple nozzles throughout the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated element serves as both a control valve and a distribution connector, performing multiple functions that previously required separate components. This multi-functionality reduces system complexity by eliminating the need for multiple specialized parts while maintaining full fluid supply capability to all required locations.
Data Source
AI summary
An element for dispensing fluid comprises a control valve and a connector for dispensing the fluid from at least one inlet line to an outlet line. The control valve comprises an inlet passage and a tubular fluid outlet duct. A chamber of the dispensing connector has a main opening traversed by the inlet passage and the tubular fluid outlet duct of the valve, a bottom that faces the main opening, a wall extending from the bottom of the chamber to the main opening, at least one inlet opening formed in the wall of the chamber so as to provide access to the inlet line, and an outlet opening formed in the bottom of the chamber and connecting one end of the tubular outlet duct to the outlet line of the connector.