Hydraulic Connector Geometry for Angled, Leak-Tight Appliance Fitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water-conducting domestic appliances face challenges in fitting due to space constraints and the need for axial insertion, which can lead to misalignment and difficulty in achieving a pressure-tight connection.
Innovation Solution
The connecting element features an insertion region with a rounded design that guides the neck into a coaxial position, combined with a sealing region made of the same elastic material, ensuring correct alignment and sealing, even when inserted at an angle, and includes a non-elastic insertion lug for reduced friction and a sealing ring for effective sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If axial insertion is required for correct fitting of the connecting element, then the sealing connection is ensured, but the fitting process becomes difficult due to space constraints and misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element incorporates a rounded insertion region with a radius of curvature that guides the neck into coaxial alignment during insertion. This curved geometry passively corrects angular misalignment by forcing the neck to follow the rounded path, enabling self-alignment without requiring precise axial positioning, thus maintaining sealing reliability while simplifying the fitting operation
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element features a gradual change in internal diameter along the insertion direction, creating a tapered guidance zone that transitions from a larger diameter at the insertion end to a smaller diameter at the sealing region. This dimensional parameter change provides mechanical guidance that forces angular insertion into coaxial alignment, resolving the contradiction between easy fitting and reliable sealing
2Reliability
If the connecting element is made of elastic material to ensure sealing, then the sealing function is improved, but the material is susceptible to damage and wrinkling during fitting
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is divided into functionally distinct regions: a rounded insertion region made of non-elastic material that handles the alignment and insertion forces, and a separate sealing region made of elastic material that performs the sealing function. This segmentation protects the elastic sealing material from mechanical damage during fitting by isolating it from the high-stress insertion phase, thereby maintaining both sealing reliability and material strength
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the connecting element are assigned different material properties: the insertion region uses non-elastic material for mechanical strength and alignment guidance, while the sealing region uses elastic material for sealing compliance. This local differentiation ensures that the elastic material is only subjected to gentle sealing forces rather than the harsh mechanical stresses of insertion, preserving its integrity and sealing effectiveness
3Adaptability or versatility
If the connecting element length is greater than its diameter to allow bending flexibility, then the adaptability in tight spaces is improved, but the structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is segmented into a rigid non-elastic insertion region that provides structural stability and a flexible elastic sealing region that can deform for sealing. This segmentation allows the overall element to be long and flexible for adaptability while the rigid insertion portion maintains structural integrity during handling and installation
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting element combines non-elastic and elastic materials in a composite structure. The non-elastic portion provides dimensional stability and resistance to deformation, while the elastic portion provides flexibility and sealing compliance. This composite construction enables the element to achieve both structural stability and bending flexibility simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and stability
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 fitting process by ensuring correct alignment and sealing without the need for axial insertion, protecting the elastic material and maintaining a secure seal across varying tolerances, while allowing for flexibility in tight spaces.
Implementation Method 1
The sealing ring and connecting element consist of the same elastic material
Data Source
AI summary
A water-conducting domestic appliance having a connector, a neck, and a connecting element that has at least one section formed by elastic material and an insertion end, wherein the connecting element connects the connector to the neck. A supporting ring is arranged at the insertion end, and the connecting element has an insertion region with an insertion rounding on the insertion end, wherein the insertion rounding runs tangentially into a sealing region.