Movable Bushing Tube Connector for Leak-Safe Press-Fit Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
In fluid transport circuits, particularly in motor vehicle braking systems, leaks often occur due to incorrect assembly of tubes with connection devices, leading to pressure loss and potential system failure, as it is difficult to ensure proper press-fitting and sealing.
Innovation Solution
A connection device with a bushing that slides between a standby and operating position, featuring legs that retract when the tube is correctly engaged, ensuring secure sealing by activating a visual and tactile connection control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tube is press-fitted into the connection device without visual indication, then the assembly process is simple, but the sealing reliability deteriorates due to incorrect assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing changes its visual appearance (color/visibility) between two states: visible when the tube is incorrectly assembled (standby position) and hidden when correctly assembled (recessed position). This visual feedback mechanism ensures reliable sealing by guiding the operator to achieve the correct assembly position without adding complex indication systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly indication system is self-regulating through the bushing's automatic position change. As the tube is inserted, the bushing naturally transitions from visible to hidden state based on the assembly progress, providing automatic feedback without requiring external indication mechanisms or additional components.
2Manufacturing precision
If the operator relies on tactile sensation during press-fitting, then the device structure is simple, but the assembly precision deteriorates due to difficulty in distinguishing assembly stages
Solution Approach 1:
The bushing provides visual feedback that complements tactile sensation, allowing the operator to clearly distinguish assembly stages. The transition from visible to hidden state provides an unambiguous visual signal that the tube has been correctly press-fitted, eliminating confusion between different assembly stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The bushing's position change provides immediate visual feedback about assembly status. When the tube reaches the correct press-fitting depth, the bushing automatically moves to the recessed position, giving the operator clear feedback that sealing has been achieved, thereby improving assembly precision.
3Reliability
If no assembly control is provided, then the device is easy to operate, but leakage occurs due to insufficient press-fitting
Solution Approach 1:
The visual indication provided by the bushing's position change guides the operator to achieve the correct press-fitting depth, ensuring leak prevention. The simple visual cue (bushing visible or hidden) makes it easy to understand when proper assembly has been achieved without complicating the operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bushing automatically indicates assembly status based on the tube insertion depth, providing self-service feedback that ensures leak prevention. The operator simply needs to continue pressing until the bushing moves to the recessed position, making the leak-prevention mechanism as easy to operate as the assembly itself.
Data Source
AI summary
A connection device for connecting an end section of a tube comprises a tubular body defining a channel, a holding device for securing the tube end section within the channel in a sealed manner, and a bushing mounted in the channel to slide between a standby position in which the bushing is spaced apart from a stop at its recess within the channel and a recessed operating position in which the bushing presses against the stop. The bushing comprises, downstream from the holding device by reference to a direction of insertion of the end section of the tube into the body, at least one leg arranged to oppose the movement of the bushing toward the operating position and to be retracted by the end section of the tube when the bushing is engaged within the end section of the tube over a predetermined length.