Multi-Channel Hydraulic Connector for Sealed Zone Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hydraulic connections in challenging environments, such as those with varying temperatures, humidity, or explosion risks, require a reliable and adaptable sealing solution that can be compactly and cost-effectively integrated across different zones while ensuring operational safety and minimizing system downtimes.

Innovation Solution

A hydraulic connection device with multiple channels and sealing elements, designed to be compact and inexpensive, featuring a body with strategically placed channels and sealing elements that can be easily assembled and adapted to meet specific environmental requirements, ensuring secure sealing across zone separations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connecting pipes are used for hydraulic connections, then the connection can accommodate various functional requirements (leakage, control, supply), but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional requirements accommodationVSAvoidnumber of connecting pipes
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate connecting pipes into a single integrated connection device with multiple internal channels. The body (13) houses several channels (401-404) that can be arranged in different configurations to accommodate leakage, control, and supply connections simultaneously, reducing the number of separate pipes and simplifying the overall system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection device is designed as a universal component that can handle multiple hydraulic functions through its multiple channels. The device can be adapted to different functional requirements by configuring the channels and sealing elements appropriately, making it suitable for leakage connections, control connections, and supply connections in various environmental conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If hydraulic components are installed in different rooms or zones separated by walls, then environmental requirements (humid, temperature, explosion risk) can be met, but the sealing requirements at zone separation become more demanding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental requirements complianceVSAvoidsealing demands at zone separation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connection device incorporates different types of sealing elements at different locations to address specific sealing requirements. The first sealing element (231) seals the body in the opening of the separating device, while second sealing elements (46, 47) seal the connections between the body and functional elements. This localized sealing approach ensures that each sealing point is optimized for its specific environmental conditions and functional demands

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Volume of moving object

If a compact connection device is designed to reduce space requirements, then installation in limited spaces becomes feasible, but the manufacturing complexity and cost may increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connection device is designed as a modular body (13) with distinct sections for different channels and sealing elements. The body can be manufactured as a single integrated component or in segments that are assembled together, allowing for simplified manufacturing processes while maintaining a compact overall structure. The modular design facilitates easier manufacturing and assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3985290B1Hydraulic connecting device for connecting two hydraulic functional elements and method for manufacturing such a hydraulic connecting device
Publication Date: 2023.06.28 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3985290B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3985290B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3985290B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A hydraulic connection device (40) for connecting two hydraulic functional elements (10, 20) and a method for manufacturing such a hydraulic connection device (40) are provided. The hydraulic connection device (40) has a body (43) in which at least two channels (401 to 404) are arranged, forming through-openings through the body (43), at least one first sealing element (231) for sealing the body (43) in an opening (230) of a separating device (23) through which the body (43) is to be passed, and at least one second sealing element (46; 47) for sealing the connection between the body (43) and the respective functional element (10, 20).