Insertable Check Valve Pipe Connection for Secure Vehicle Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid connection devices in vehicles lack an efficient and economical solution for integrating non-return valves directly into the pipes, which affects the fluid circuit's performance and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A fluid connection device with an insertable non-return valve that is directly inserted into one of the pipes, featuring a tubular design with flanges and a plastically deformable structure to ensure secure sealing and prevent valve exit, allowing for axial insertion between pipe constrictions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a non-return valve is integrated into a separate body fixed on the pipe, then the valve function is achieved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the non-return valve with the pipe itself by creating an internal cavity within the pipe wall to house the valve mechanism. This integration eliminates the need for a separate valve body and mounting structure, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the non-return function. The pipe serves dual purposes: fluid transport and valve housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe is designed with multi-functionality: it simultaneously serves as the fluid conduit and as the housing structure for the non-return valve. The pipe wall incorporates an internal cavity that accommodates the valve, making the pipe a universal component that performs both structural and functional roles, thus reducing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If a separate valve body is used, then the valve is securely mounted, but the weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve and pipe are merged into a single integrated structure where the pipe wall contains the valve mechanism. This eliminates the weight of separate mounting brackets, flanges, and additional fastening hardware, while the pipe's own structural integrity provides secure mounting for the valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe serves multiple functions including fluid transport, structural support, and valve housing. By making the pipe multi-functional, unnecessary separate components are eliminated, reducing overall device weight while maintaining secure valve mounting through the pipe's inherent structural properties.
3Ease of operation
If the pipe internal diameter is enlarged to accommodate the valve, then the valve can be inserted, but the pipe strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe wall thickness is varied locally: it is reduced only in the specific region where the valve cavity is located to allow valve insertion, while the rest of the pipe maintains its original wall thickness and strength. This localized modification ensures ease of valve insertion without compromising overall pipe strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve cavity is pre-formed within the pipe wall during pipe manufacturing, creating a prepared space for valve insertion. This preliminary action allows the valve to be easily inserted into an existing cavity without requiring post-manufacturing modifications that would weaken the pipe structure.
4Reliability
If traditional flange connections are used, then secure pipe connection is achieved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flange is integrated directly into the pipe structure as a continuous piece rather than being a separate component. This merging of the flange with the pipe body eliminates the need for separate flange assemblies, bolts, and nuts, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining secure pipe-to-pipe connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe is designed with multi-functionality including integrated flange connections. The pipe serves as both the fluid conduit and the connection element, eliminating the need for separate connection components and simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining connection security.
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 solution enhances the fluid circuit's performance by ensuring reliable one-way fluid flow, reducing weight and cost, and simplifying assembly while maintaining tightness and durability.
Implementation Method 1
The first collar is obtained by plastic deformation of the free end of said secondary section
Implementation Method 2
an elastic member configured to bear on the valve element and to exert a closing force on the valve element
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Fluid connection device (10) for a fluid circuit, in particular of a vehicle, this device comprising: - a first pipe (12), - a tubular fitting engaged in the first pipe (12), - a first flange (16) mounted around the first pipe (12), - a second flange (18) mounted around the fitting, - at least one element (20) for fixing the first and second flanges (16, 18) against each other, and - an insertable non-return valve (100) mounted inside the first pipe (12).