Hydrogen Manifold Pipe Locking Structure for Leak-Tight Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manifolds for high-pressure hydrogen distribution in fuel cell electric vehicles lack stability and safety due to potential leaks and accidental releases of high-pressure hydrogen gas.
Innovation Solution
A manifold design featuring a pipe with a nut member and a manifold body with a concave port and locking mechanism, ensuring secure engagement and preventing pipe disengagement, while enhancing air-tightness through specific geometric ratios and structural features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pipe is inserted into a manifold body for hydrogen distribution, then the manifold can distribute high-pressure hydrogen, but the pipe may be released or loosened causing safety accidents
Solution Approach 1:
The nut member is inserted into the concave port of the manifold body, with the pipe inserted into the nut member, creating a nested structure where the pipe is contained within the nut which is contained within the manifold port. This nesting provides secure containment and prevents accidental release.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking part protrudes from the manifold body to engage with the nut member before the pipe can be accidentally released. This preliminary locking action prevents the pipe from loosening or detaching during operation.
2Reliability
If high-pressure hydrogen is transmitted through the manifold, then hydrogen distribution is achieved, but air tightness between pipe and manifold body may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The concave port geometry and locking part are specifically designed at the connection interface between the pipe and manifold body to enhance sealing. The localized structural features at this critical interface improve air tightness without requiring changes to the entire manifold structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking part is pre-positioned on the manifold body to engage with the nut member, establishing a secure and sealed connection before the pipe is fully inserted. This preliminary engagement ensures proper alignment and sealing contact.
3Ease of operation
If a simple pipe insertion design is used, then ease of operation is improved, but structural stability under high fastening torque is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is divided into distinct functional segments: the pipe for fluid conveyance, the nut member for securing the pipe, and the locking part for preventing loosening. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity of assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking part is pre-configured on the manifold body to engage with the nut member, providing immediate structural support and torque resistance as the pipe is inserted, eliminating the need for complex post-assembly securing mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A manifold may include a pipe, a nut member at an outer circumferential surface of the pipe, and a manifold body including a port having a concave shape extending into the manifold body from an outer surface of the manifold body, wherein a first portion the nut member is inserted into the port, and the manifold body including a locking part protruding on the outer surface and engaging with a second portion of the nut member to prevent the nut member inserted into the port from being rotated and loosened.