Lateral Flange Connection System for Confined Space Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flange connection systems in motor vehicles face challenges in assembly due to limited installation space and require axial push-up movement, making them difficult to install in confined areas.
Innovation Solution
A flange connection system featuring a first flange connection part with a receptacle for lateral insertion, a molded seal for sealing, and wedge portions that compress the seal upon insertion, allowing for assembly without axial movement and providing stability and sealing in narrow spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional axial push-up assembly method is used, then connection strength is achieved, but installation space requirement increases and assembly becomes complicated in confined areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from axial assembly (one-dimensional movement along the connection axis) to lateral/radial assembly (movement perpendicular to the connection axis). The first flange connection part is inserted laterally into the receptacle of the second flange connection part, eliminating the need for axial push-up movement and enabling assembly in confined spaces where axial movement is restricted.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of pushing components together axially from opposite directions, the invention inverts the assembly approach by having one component laterally insert into a receptacle formed by the other component. This reversal of the assembly methodology allows connection in limited spaces without requiring the traditional axial clearance.
2Area of stationary object
If lateral insertion without axial movement is implemented, then installation space is reduced, but seal compression mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the seal compression function with the structural wedge portions that are already present in the flange connection parts. The wedge portions serve dual purposes: providing the lateral insertion geometry and simultaneously compressing the molded seal upon insertion. This merging eliminates the need for separate seal compression mechanisms, maintaining simplicity while enabling space-efficient assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The molded seal is designed to be self-compressing through the wedge portions during lateral insertion. As the first flange connection part is inserted laterally, the wedge portions automatically generate the necessary compression force on the seal without requiring external actuators or additional components. The assembly process itself performs the seal compression function.
3Reliability
If three wedge sections are used for seal compression, then sealing reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal compression function is divided into three separate wedge sections arranged circumferentially around the flange opening. Each wedge section independently compresses the molded seal at a specific location, ensuring uniform and reliable sealing around the entire perimeter. This segmentation allows the seal to be compressed at multiple points simultaneously during a single lateral insertion operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The three wedge sections are integrated into the flange connection parts as standard structural features, serving both as geometric guides for lateral insertion and as seal compression elements. This multi-functionality means that the same components that enable lateral assembly also provide sealing, eliminating the need for separate sealing mechanisms and simplifying manufacturing despite the increased number of wedge sections.
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
Enables the assembly of a pressure-tight flange connection in limited spaces without axial push-up movement, ensuring reliable sealing and stability, even in tight installations, and allows for installation in various engine configurations like four-cylinder twin-charger engines.
Implementation Method 1
a wedge portion (109-1, 109-2, 109-3) for compressing the molded seal (107) upon insertion of the first flange fitting (101) into the receptacle (105) of the second flange fitting (103)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a flange connection system (100) for producing a flange connection for a fluid in a motor vehicle, comprising a first flange connection part (101); a second flange connection part (103) with a receptacle (105) for laterally inserting the first flange connection part (101); a molded gasket (107) for sealing the flange connection between the first flange connection part (101) and the second flange connection part (103); and a wedge section (109) for compressing the molded gasket (107) when inserting the first flange connection part (101) into the receptacle (105) of the second flange connection part (103).