Heatable Fluid Duct Connector With Snap-In Electrical Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for heatable fluid ducts in SCR and water injection systems complicate the assembly process due to the need for rapid and reliable hydraulic and electrical connections, especially when dealing with urea solutions that require heating, as they must be equipped with electric resistors and complex electrical wiring.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a thermally conductive body with snap-in receptacles for easy assembly and electrical connection, incorporating a clip with snap-in receptacles and a thermally insulating sheath to simplify the assembly of heatable fluid lines by securely fastening mechanical and electrical components, allowing for efficient heating of the fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If electric resistors and electrical wiring are added to connectors for heatable fluid ducts, then the heating function is achieved, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hydraulic connector and electrical connector into a single integrated unit. The electrical connections are built into the hydraulic connector body, eliminating the need for separate electrical wiring and taping operations. This merging of functions directly reduces assembly complexity while maintaining the heating capability through integrated electric resistors.
2Reliability
If separate electrical connections and heating wires are taped around hydraulic connectors, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connections are pre-integrated into the hydraulic connector body during manufacturing. The electric resistors and electrical wiring are already positioned and secured within the connector structure before installation. This preliminary action eliminates the need for on-site taping and wiring operations, significantly reducing assembly time while ensuring reliable electrical connectivity.
3Temperature
If complex electrical wiring and taping are required for hydraulic connectors, then heating functionality is achieved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical connection functions directly into the hydraulic connector body, creating a unified component that requires only a single installation operation. The electric resistors are integrated within the connector structure, eliminating the need for separate wiring and taping steps. This integration dramatically improves ease of operation while maintaining the heating function.
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 connector design simplifies the assembly of heatable fluid lines by providing a secure and efficient method for connecting electrical heating elements, reducing complexity and improving the ease of operation while ensuring reliable heating of the fluid.
Implementation Method 1
electric heating means H situated around the passage 16
Implementation Method 2
connector (10) comprises a thermally conductive body (14) defining a passage (16)
Implementation Method 3
a thermally insulating sheath to simplify the assembly of heatable fluid lines
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The connector (10) comprises a thermally conductive body (14) defining a passage for a fluid to be flown through a duct (D) and configured for being provided with an electric heating apparatus (4) situated around the passage. A clip (18) is situated around a portion of the body (14) comprising one or more snap-in receptacles (20) situated peripherally with respect to the body (14) and configured to fit an electric connection (22) of the electric heating apparatus (4).