Vehicle Plug Assembly With Localized Crimp Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug assemblies require high deformative power for axial pressing at multiple positions, making them difficult to produce and maintain a good seal and mechanical stability.
Innovation Solution
A plug assembly design featuring a connector body with a sleeve-shaped casing section that deforms in a small region to establish an interlocking connection with a tube, using a sealing element that protrudes into the deformation region to ensure sealing, allowing for reduced deformation force and increased stability without pre-processing the tube.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the first exterior section is pressed at two positions axially spaced from one another to establish interlocking connection and seal, then the connection stability and sealing effect are improved, but the deformative power required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body is divided into two separate casing sections (first and second casing sections) that are connected by a common bottom wall. The first casing section performs the interlocking function while the second casing section performs the sealing function, allowing these two functions to be achieved independently without requiring simultaneous high force at multiple positions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of pressing the same section at multiple positions sequentially (which requires high cumulative force), the invention inverts the approach by using two separate sections that can be deformed independently. The common bottom wall connects these sections, allowing the deformation forces to be applied separately and simultaneously without compounding.
2Reliability
If the first exterior section is pressed at two positions axially spaced from one another to establish interlocking connection and seal, then the connection stability and sealing effect are improved, but the production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body is segmented into two casing sections that can be manufactured separately using standard pressing operations. Each section undergoes deformation at a single position during manufacturing, simplifying the production process compared to pressing one section at two different positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The two casing sections are merged through their common bottom wall to form an integrated connector body. This merging allows the separate sections to function together as a single unit, providing both interlocking and sealing capabilities while maintaining ease of manufacture through independent section production.
3Reliability
If a sealing element is clamped between the first exterior section and the tube at a position axially spaced from the interlocking region, then the sealing effect is improved, but the structural complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged with the first casing section by integrating the sealing element directly into this section. The sealing element is clamped between the first casing section and the tube at the same location where interlocking occurs, combining sealing and interlocking functions in one region rather than requiring separate axial positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The first casing section serves multiple functions: it provides the interlocking connection through deformation and simultaneously houses the sealing element for creating the seal. This multi-functionality reduces the overall structural complexity by eliminating the need for separate dedicated sealing sections at different axial positions.
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 design enables easy production with a high seal effect and mechanical stability, reducing the complexity and force required for deformation while maintaining a secure interlocking connection.
Implementation Method 1
The first casing section of the connector body is deformed in such a way that an interlocking connection is established between a shaping region of the first casing section of the connector body and the tube
Implementation Method 2
the sealing element is clamped at least sectionally between the first casing section and the tube
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a plug assembly (1), in particular for use in a vehicle, comprising a tube (3), a sealing element (5) and a plug connector (4), which comprises a connector body (6), wherein the connector body (6) has an annulus (22) located between a first casing section (12) and a second casing section (15) of the plug connector (4), wherein a connection section (33) of the tube (3) is introduced into the annulus (22) of the connector body (6) and the sealing element (5) is arranged between the first casing section (12) and the connection section (33) of the tube (3). The first casing section (12) of the connector body (6) is deformed in such a way that an interlocking connection is established between a shaping region (56) of the first casing section (12) of the connector body (6) and the tube (3), wherein the sealing element (5) protrudes at least partially into the shaping region (56) of the first casing section (12), such that the sealing element (5) is clamped at least sectionally between the first casing section (12) and the tube (3).