Pedal Unit Coupling Assembly for Fluid Line Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing pedal units for vehicles require a time-consuming and complex installation process due to the need for multiple separate coupling devices, leading to increased risks of installation errors and higher costs associated with design modifications.

Innovation Solution

A pedal unit with a single coupling assembly that includes internal passageways and gaskets to establish fluid communication between multiple fluid lines and ports, simplifying the installation process and reducing the risk of errors through a sealed connection using gaskets and a clamping ring, and ensuring proper alignment with recesses and asymmetric through-holes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate coupling devices are used to connect fluid lines to inlet ports or outlet ports, then each connection can be established individually, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate coupling devices into a single integrated coupling assembly that can connect multiple fluid lines simultaneously. The coupling assembly includes a body with multiple coupling elements arranged in a circular pattern, allowing multiple fluid lines to be connected in one operation rather than requiring multiple separate coupling devices to be mounted individually to the main body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate coupling devices are mounted to the main body, then multiple fluid communication lines can be established, but the risk of installation errors increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid line connection capabilityVSAvoidinstallation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate coupling devices into a single integrated coupling assembly that can connect multiple fluid lines simultaneously. The coupling assembly includes a body with multiple coupling elements arranged in a circular pattern, allowing multiple fluid lines to be connected in one operation rather than requiring multiple separate coupling devices to be mounted individually to the main body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling assembly incorporates asymmetric features including a non-circular clamping ring with flat sides that must align with corresponding flat surfaces on the main body, and asymmetric through-holes for mounting. These asymmetric features ensure correct orientation and positioning of the coupling assembly during installation, preventing incorrect assembly and reducing installation errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple coupling devices are used, then multiple connections can be made, but quality control and leakage testing become more time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid line connection capabilityVSAvoidquality control efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate coupling devices into a single integrated coupling assembly that can connect multiple fluid lines simultaneously. The coupling assembly includes a body with multiple coupling elements arranged in a circular pattern, allowing multiple fluid lines to be connected in one operation rather than requiring multiple separate coupling devices to be mounted individually to the main body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the design of the main body is modified, then improved performance can be achieved, but all coupling devices must be modified as well

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidmodification cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the coupling function from the main body by using a detachable coupling assembly that can be separated from the main body. The coupling assembly is mounted to the main body through recesses and can be removed and replaced independently. This allows modifications to the main body design without requiring modifications to the coupling devices, as the coupling assembly can be independently designed and manufactured.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3536567B1Pedal unit
Publication Date: 2021.12.08 ZF CV SYST EURO BV
  • EP3536567B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3536567B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3536567B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a pedal unit (1) for use in a vehicle, in particular for use in a truck, comprising: a main body (3) having a plurality of passages (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f), each passage (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e, 5f) allowing for fluid communication between an inlet port (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f) on a first side (11) of said main body (3) and an outlet port (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e, 9f) on a second side (13) of said main body (3), and a first coupling (15) being detachably mounted to said main body (3). The invention further relates to a coupling (15) for use in such a pedal unit (1).