Length-Coded Fluid Connectors for Error-Proof Car Cleaning Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid connection systems for car cleaning systems are prone to errors in assembly, leading to incorrect connections, potential damage, and non-uniform fluid flow due to varying tube diameters and pressures, complicating the regulation of uniform fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
A fluid connection system with male and female connectors of specific lengths, featuring limiting elements and restriction means that ensure correct assembly through form-locking and force-locking mechanisms, ensuring uniform fluid flow and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If varying diameters of tube and connection piece are used to ensure correct connection, then connection correctness is improved, but device complexity increases and fluid flow uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by making each male connector have a unique length that does not match any other female connector length. This creates an asymmetric identification system where only the correct male-female pair can connect, eliminating wrong connections without requiring complex diameter variations or additional identification mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by varying only the length parameter of the connectors at the connection interface, while keeping the fluid passage diameter uniform. This localized differentiation ensures correct pairing without affecting the overall fluid flow characteristics or requiring complex multi-parameter variations.
2Reliability
If varying diameters of tube and connection piece are used to ensure correct connection, then connection correctness is improved, but fluid flow uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetric length differentiation of connectors as an identification mechanism that is independent of the fluid passage diameter. This allows correct connection pairing to be ensured through geometric compatibility alone, while the uniform diameter throughout the fluid passage maintains consistent flow characteristics without requiring diameter variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the identification function (handled by varying connector lengths at the interface) from the fluid transport function (handled by uniform diameter passages). This local differentiation ensures that connection correctness does not compromise fluid flow uniformity, as the varying parameter is confined to the connection interface only.
3Reliability
If tubes with slightly varying inner diameters are used, then connection specificity is improved, but assembly error resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric length variation of male connectors as a robust identification mechanism. Each male connector's unique length provides a clear geometric signal that prevents mismatched connections, while the form-locking mechanism with corresponding female connectors ensures that only the correct pair can be assembled, greatly enhancing error resistance during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates preliminary action by designing the connectors with built-in form-locking features and limiting elements that prevent incorrect assembly before any fluid connection is established. The geometric constraints are built into the connector design itself, providing immediate feedback during assembly to prevent errors.
4Strength
If applying force during connecting is increased to ensure connection, then connection firmness is improved, but connection correctness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating form-locking features and limiting elements that establish geometric constraints before any force is applied during assembly. These features ensure that only correctly matched connectors can engage, providing inherent guidance that prevents wrong connections even when assembly force is applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The asymmetric length design of male connectors creates a unique geometric signature for each connector pair. This asymmetry ensures that force can be applied uniformly to achieve firm connection, while the geometric compatibility constraints prevent incorrect pairings from engaging regardless of the force applied.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention pertains to a fluid connection system (2) for a cleaning system of a car, wherein the fluid connection system comprises at least two connections (4), wherein each of the at least two connections (4) comprises a male connector (6) and a female connector (8), wherein for each of the at least two connections (4) the male connector (6) comprises an outlet opening (10) and the female connector (8) comprises an inlet opening (12), wherein for each of the at least two connections (4) the male connector (6) and the female connector (8) are configured to fluidly connect the outlet opening (10) to the inlet opening (12) in an assembled state, wherein for each of the at least two connections (4) the length of the male connector (6) is adapted to the length of the female connector (8), wherein the length differs for each of the at least two connections (4).