Plug Connector Assembly With Radial Clamping for Polyolefin Pipelines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipeline connectors for polyolefinic materials face challenges in achieving sufficient sealing and holding force without exceeding the permissible yield elongation, leading to material damage and high costs, especially in applications like temperature control systems for batteries.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic connector design with clamping webs that separate the sealing and holding areas, allowing for axial compression of the pipeline without exceeding the yield elongation, using a clamping ring to exert radial force on the clamping webs, ensuring a gentle expansion and compression of the pipeline material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a quick-release coupling with separate sealing element and locking ring is used, then sealing and holding functions are achieved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing element and locking ring into a single integrated connector component. The connector features a monolithic base body with clamping ribs that perform both sealing and locking functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate sealing elements and locking rings while maintaining reliable sealing and holding performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides sealing, locking, and positioning functions. The clamping ribs with integrated sealing surfaces and locking geometries enable the single connector piece to perform multiple functions that previously required separate components.
2Force
If the pipeline end section is stretched to achieve holding effect, then holding force is improved, but the pipeline material exceeds permissible yield strain and may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of stretching the pipeline end section axially to achieve holding effect, the patent inverts the approach by compressing the pipeline end section radially through the clamping ribs. The clamping ribs exert radial clamping forces that create friction and mechanical interlocking without exceeding the pipeline material's yield strain, thereby maintaining material integrity while achieving sufficient holding force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the deformation parameter from axial stretching to radial compression. By applying radial clamping forces through the clamping ribs, the pipeline end section is compressed radially rather than stretched axially, keeping the strain within permissible limits while still achieving the required holding force through friction and mechanical engagement.
3Force
If polyamide pipelines are used to accommodate stretching, then holding effect is improved, but material costs and raw material availability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the deformation parameter from axial stretching to radial compression, which allows the use of polyolefinic materials instead of polyamide. By compressing the pipeline end section radially through the clamping ribs rather than stretching it axially, the permissible yield strain of polyolefinic materials (which is lower than polyamide) is not exceeded, enabling the use of cost-effective and readily available polyolefinic materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the use of cheaper polyolefinic materials instead of expensive polyamide by changing the deformation mechanism. Polyolefinic materials are more cost-effective and have better availability, and the radial compression approach ensures their permissible yield strain is not exceeded, making them suitable for the application.
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
This design enables reliable sealing and holding with reduced material stress, allowing the use of cost-effective polyolefinic materials while maintaining a long service life and low assembly force, suitable for applications involving water and glycol.
Implementation Method 1
the sealing area (14) is designed such that the end section (12) of the mounted pipeline (2) is stretched radially to the central axis (X)
Implementation Method 2
the base body (6) has clamping ribs (18) extending axially over the mounting space (M), by means of which the pipeline (2) can be pressed and compressed radially to the central axis (X) in the sealing area (14)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a plug connector assembly (1) with a pipeline (2) and a plug connector (4) with a main part (6) which runs along a central axis (X) and which has a flow channel (S) that is open at least in a pin (8). The pipeline (2) is fluidically connected to the flow channel (S) and is plugged onto the pin (8), wherein the end section (12) of the pipeline (2) is arranged in an installation area (M) of the plug connector (4). The pin (8) has a seal region (14) which extends axially in the region of the installation area (M) and a holding region (16) which extends axially in the region of the installation area (M). The main part (6) is formed monolithically, wherein the main part (6) has a clamping web (18) which extends axially over the installation area (M), and the pipeline (2) is compressed and is pressed against the pin (8) by means of the clamping web (18). The invention additionally relates to a plug connector (4) for use in such a plug connector assembly (1).