Vehicle Line Coupling with Inspection Gap for Leak-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional line coupling assemblies for motor vehicles are prone to seal damage during assembly, leading to leakage issues, and have complex assembly processes requiring additional securing means.
Innovation Solution
A line coupling assembly with coupling components that interact to create a tight coupling when fully engaged and a defined inspection gap when not fully coupled, allowing for easy diagnosis of incomplete coupling and eliminating the need for screws or grooves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional line coupling assemblies use additional securing means like screws or grooves, then the coupling can be secured tightly, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the coupling component directly into the line structure, merging the line and coupling into a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need for separate securing means like screws or grooves, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining reliable coupling through the integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling component is designed to automatically engage and secure lines without requiring additional fastening operations. The integration allows the line itself to provide the coupling function, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating complex assembly steps
2Reliability
If conventional line coupling assemblies use additional securing means, then the coupling can be secured reliably, but the assembly and disassembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the coupling function into the line structure itself, the patent enables rapid engagement and disengagement without the time-consuming operations of screwing or fitting separate securing components, thus reducing assembly and disassembly time while maintaining coupling reliability
3Reliability
If the seal is subjected to local deformations from screw connections, then the coupling can be secured, but leakage occurs in other areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the screw connection element from the coupling system, extracting the source of local deformations that cause seal damage and subsequent leakage. The coupling achieves security through the integrated design without requiring intrusive fastening methods that deform the seal
4Device complexity
If no inspection mechanism is provided, then the coupling structure remains simple, but incomplete coupling cannot be diagnosed quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a visual inspection gap that becomes visible when coupling is incomplete. This gap allows operators to quickly diagnose coupling status without complex inspection tools, maintaining structural simplicity while enabling easy detection of incomplete coupling through direct visual observation
Data Source
AI summary
A line coupling assembly for a motor vehicle includes a line coupling, a first line, and a second line which can be coupled to the first line via the line coupling, wherein at their coupling-side ends, which are supposed to be connected, the lines each have a coupling component which, when the lines are completely coupled, interact such that the lines are tightly coupled together. When the lines are not completely coupled, the coupling components interact such that there is a defined inspection gap near the line coupling.