Heated 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 assembly due to the need for rapid hydraulic connection and electrical heating, which adds complexity and requires secure fixation of electrical connections and heating wires.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a thermally conductive body with snap-in receptacles for easy assembly, a clip to secure electric connections, and a fir tree structure for secure mounting, simplifying the assembly process and ensuring reliable electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If electric heating elements are added to the connector for heatable fluid ducts, then the fluid can be kept above freezing temperature, but the assembly complexity increases due to the need to fixate electrical connections and heating wires
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hydraulic connector and electrical heating elements into a single integrated unit. The electric heating element is embedded within the connector body, and the electrical connections are built-in rather than separately attached. This merging eliminates the need for separate fixation of heating wires and electrical connections, thus maintaining temperature control while reducing assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides hydraulic connection for fluid ducts, electrical connection for power supply, and heating function to prevent freezing. By integrating these functions into a single component, the design avoids the complexity of assembling separate heating elements and electrical connections, resolving the contradiction between functional capability and assembly simplicity.
2Reliability
If rapid and reliable hydraulic assembly is required, then the connector must ensure secure connection, but additional complexity is introduced by needing to simultaneously connect electrical heating elements
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic connection and electrical connection are merged into a single integrated connector unit. The electrical heating element is built-in, so that when the hydraulic connection is made, the electrical connection is automatically established as well. This eliminates the need for separate operations to attach heating wires and secure electrical connections, thus maintaining reliability while simplifying assembly operations.
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 electric heating elements, reducing operational complexity and ensuring consistent heating of the fluid.
Implementation Method 1
electric heated pipings wherein electric resistors are inserted inside or spirally wound on the pipings
Implementation Method 2
a thermally conductive body with snap-in receptacles
Data Source
AI summary
A connector includes a thermally conductive body defining a passage for a fluid to flow through a duct and configured with an electric heating apparatus situated around the passage. A clip is situated around a portion of the body including one or more snap-in receptacles situated peripherally with respect to the body and configured to fit an electric connection of the electric heating apparatus.