Microstructured Plug-In Coupling Seal for Low-Force Fluid Line Assembly

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing plug-in coupling seals for fluid lines, particularly in air-intake lines of drive motors, require high axial forces for joining due to high resistance, which complicates the assembly process.

Innovation Solution

A plug-in coupling seal with microstructuring elements on its contact face, such as circumferential ribs, reduces friction and resistance by allowing easier insertion of the second coupling part, and includes features like lubricant-filled cavities and a coating to enhance sliding properties and sealing effectiveness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a conventional smooth contact face is used on the plug-in coupling seal, then the sealing effect is adequate, but the resistance to joining (friction) is high requiring large axial forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoining forceVSAvoidsealing effect

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The contact face is given different local properties: protruding structuring elements (ribs) are created at specific locations to reduce friction in the insertion direction, while the overall sealing functionality is maintained through the localized arrangement of these elements. The ribs are positioned to facilitate sliding during insertion while preserving sealing contact areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The contact face is segmented into multiple protruding structuring elements (ribs) rather than being a continuous smooth surface. This segmentation allows different regions to serve different functions: some areas provide low-friction sliding surfaces while others maintain sealing contact, resolving the contradiction between easy insertion and effective sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the contact face is made smooth for easy insertion, then the joining force is reduced, but the sealing effect deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of insertionVSAvoidsealing effect

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The contact face is given different local properties: protruding structuring elements (ribs) are created at specific locations to reduce friction in the insertion direction, while the overall sealing functionality is maintained through the localized arrangement of these elements. The ribs are positioned to facilitate sliding during insertion while preserving sealing contact areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The contact face is segmented into multiple protruding structuring elements (ribs) rather than being a continuous smooth surface. This segmentation allows different regions to serve different functions: some areas provide low-friction sliding surfaces while others maintain sealing contact, resolving the contradiction between easy insertion and effective sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If microstructuring with protruding elements is added to reduce friction, then the ease of insertion is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of insertionVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The plug-in coupling seal is made from elastomeric material that can be molded with integrated microstructuring. The flexible nature of the elastomeric material allows the protruding ribs to be formed directly during molding without adding separate components, thus reducing overall device complexity while still providing the friction-reducing functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The surface geometry parameter of the contact face is changed by adding microstructuring (protruding ribs). This parameter change is achieved through molding technology rather than post-processing, which minimizes the increase in device complexity while achieving the desired reduction in insertion friction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 microstructuring significantly reduces the necessary joining force and improves the sealing effect, making the assembly process easier and more efficient.

Implementation Method 1

A microstructuring having protruding structuring elements for reduction of the resistance of the two coupling parts to joining is formed at least in regions on the contact face

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction reduction through microstructuring: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a lubricant-filled cavities and a coating to enhance sliding properties

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentUS11384881B2Plug-in coupling seal for a fluid line of a drive motor

Publication Date: 2022.07.12 HENN GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

The invention relates to a plug-in coupling seal (1) for a fluid line of a drive motor, wherein the plug-in coupling seal (1) has an outer surface (5) for accommodation in a first coupling part (11) and an inner surface (7) for contact against a second coupling part (12) to be pushed in insertion direction (16) into the first coupling part (11). A microstructuring (22) having protruding structuring elements (23) for reduction of the resistance of the second coupling parts (12) to insertion into the first coupling part (11) is formed on the inner surface (7).