Hydraulic Connector Seal Geometry for Angled Appliance Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of water-carrying household appliances is often complicated due to space constraints, making it difficult to achieve a pressure-tight connection between hydraulic components, particularly when axial insertion is not possible.
Innovation Solution
The connecting part features an insertion area with a rounded curve that merges tangentially into a sealing area, ensuring the connector is guided into a coaxial position, even when inserted at an angle, and an elastic sealing ring and support ring made of the same material provide a secure seal without warping, while a non-elastic insertion nose aids in alignment and deformation for easier assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If axial insertion is required for correct assembly of the connecting part, then the connection can be secured, but assembly becomes difficult due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting part incorporates a rounded insertion curve that merges tangentially into the sealing area, allowing the connector to be guided into the correct coaxial position even when inserted at an angle. This curved transition zone eliminates the need for strict axial alignment while ensuring proper connection security.
2Ease of operation
If the connector is pushed in at an angle, then assembly might be easier, but the connector tilts and slides off the connecting part
Solution Approach 1:
The rounded insertion curve acts as an intermediary zone between the insertion area and the sealing area. It mediates the transition from angular insertion to coaxial alignment, guiding the connector smoothly into the correct position without tilting or sliding off.
3Reliability
If the elastic material in the sealing area is loaded during insertion, then the connection can be secured, but the material may warp or become damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The rounded insertion curve performs the alignment action before the connector reaches the sealing area. This preliminary coaxial positioning ensures that when the connector enters the sealing area, the elastic material is not subjected to lateral loads that could cause warping or damage, while still achieving secure connection.
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 design simplifies the assembly process by allowing angled insertion, protecting the sealing material from damage, ensuring proper alignment, and maintaining a secure seal even with varying dimensional tolerances, thus facilitating easier connection in confined spaces.
Implementation Method 1
The connecting part essentially consists of an elastic material... the insertion area includes an insertion curve that is rounded so that the curve merges tangentially into the sealing area. This forces the connector into the coaxial position
Implementation Method 2
The sealing area consists of a support ring and a sealing ring... The sealing ring and the connecting part are made of the same elastic material... ensure a pressure-tight connection
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a water-conducting domestic appliance, especially a domestic dishwasher or washing machine, which comprises at least one connector that is connected to a neck (2) by means of a connecting element (1). At least sections of said connecting element (1) are produced of an elastic material and the connecting element has an insertion end (10) on which a supporting ring (5) is arranged. The invention is characterized in that the connecting element (1) has an insertion region (3) with an insertion rounding (7) on the insertion end (10), said rounding tangentially running into a sealing region (4).