Locking Fluid Connector With Elastic Tabs for Secure Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid connection devices for motor vehicle cooling circuits are complex, costly, and voluminous, lacking a simple and cost-efficient solution for reliable and secure connections.
Innovation Solution
A fluid connection device comprising a male nozzle with elastically-deformable tabs and a lock that can be manually positioned to secure or unlock the connection, allowing for easy assembly and ensuring proper locking and engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional connection devices are used to ensure reliable and secure fluid connections, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device is divided into two main segments: a male nozzle with tabs and a female nozzle with a lock mechanism. This segmentation allows each part to have a specific function while maintaining overall simplicity. The tabs are separate elastic elements that engage with the lock, creating a modular design that reduces complexity compared to integrated conventional solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The tabs are designed to be self-locking through their elastic deformation. When the male nozzle is inserted into the female nozzle, the tabs automatically deform and engage with the lock mechanism without requiring additional actuators or complex locking procedures. The system serves itself by using the insertion motion to trigger the locking action.
2Reliability
If conventional connection devices are used to ensure proper locking and engagement, then connection security is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is extracted as a separate mechanism (the lock in the female nozzle) that works independently with the tabs. This extraction allows for simplified manufacturing of each component, as the lock can be produced as a single piece that engages with the tabs without requiring complex integrated structures. The separation of locking function from the main body reduces manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The tabs utilize elastic deformation as a key parameter change to achieve locking. By designing the tabs with specific elastic properties, the system transforms the simple insertion motion into an effective locking action. This parameter-based approach (using material elasticity) replaces complex mechanical locking structures, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining security.
3Reliability
If conventional connection devices are used to achieve reliable connections, then connection reliability is improved, but the device becomes voluminous
Solution Approach 1:
The male nozzle with tabs is designed to be inserted into and nested within the female nozzle. The tabs nest within the lock mechanism during engagement. This nested configuration minimizes the overall volume of the connection device while maintaining the reliability of the locking mechanism, as the components occupy overlapping spatial volumes rather than additive volumes.
4Ease of manufacture
If simple and cost-efficient connection devices are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but connection reliability and security decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The tabs are pre-formed with elastic properties during manufacturing, and the lock mechanism is pre-configured with the appropriate engagement geometry. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the components are assembled, the locking action occurs automatically and reliably without requiring additional adjustment or complex procedures. The preliminary design of the elastic tabs ensures consistent locking behavior.
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
The device provides a reliable, cost-effective, and easy-to-manufacture solution for fluid connections, ensuring secure engagement and easy operation, with the lock's visual and tactile feedback ensuring proper locking and disconnection.
Implementation Method 1
at least two elastically-deformable tabs that are diametrically opposed with respect to the axis, these tabs extending outwards from the first nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid connection device comprising a body formed of one single part and comprising a first tubular nozzle comprising a male part, and at least two elastically-deformable tabs provided to retain the male part in a female part, wherein the device further comprises a lock mounted on the body and mobile in translation from a first position wherein the tabs are released, allowing their elastic deformation, to a second position wherein the tabs are blocked, preventing their elastic deformation.