Polymeric Ring Hose Connection for Lightweight Secure Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid connections in the automotive industry, such as hoses with metal rings, are heavy, costly, and can damage the hose due to rigidity, requiring long production times and separate assembly steps.
Innovation Solution
A polymeric ring is used to secure the hose to a connector, deforming to provide compression and improve the connection without separate assembly, using materials like thermoplastic elastomers and aramid fibers for hose layers and a polymeric ring made by extrusion or injection molding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal ring is used to secure the hose to the connector, then the connection is secure and the hose is prevented from slipping off, but the weight increases and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the ring from metal to polymeric material. This parameter change maintains the ring's structural function of securing the hose to the connector while significantly reducing weight and production costs. The polymeric material can be molded into the required shape through injection molding, eliminating the need for heavy metal fabrication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction for the hose assembly, with the polymeric ring working in conjunction with the reinforced hose (which includes fabric reinforcement layers). This composite approach distributes the mechanical loads appropriately, allowing the polymeric ring to provide secure connection without requiring metal-grade strength, thus achieving weight reduction while maintaining connection reliability.
2Reliability
If a metal ring is used to secure the hose, then the connection is secure, but the production time increases and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The polymeric ring is pre-formed through injection molding into the exact shape and size required for the specific hose connector application. This preliminary action eliminates the need for on-site metal ring fabrication, fitting, or adjustment operations. The pre-formed ring can be directly installed onto the hose end, significantly reducing production time and enabling automated assembly processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional metal ring mechanical system (which requires cutting, forming, and fastening operations) with a polymeric ring system produced through injection molding. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical fabrication steps and enables more efficient manufacturing processes, thereby improving productivity while maintaining connection security.
3Reliability
If a metal ring is used to fasten the hose, then the hose is secured to the connector, but the hose may be damaged due to the rigidity of the metal ring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the ring from rigid metal to flexible polymeric material. This parameter change allows the ring to conform to the hose surface and distribute compression forces more evenly, preventing localized stress concentrations that could damage the hose. The polymeric material's inherent flexibility eliminates the harmful rigidity effect while maintaining sufficient securing force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible polymeric ring that can deform to match the hose's surface contours. This flexible shell approach allows the ring to apply uniform circumferential compression around the hose end without creating sharp edges or rigid contact points that could cut into or damage the hose material, while still providing adequate securing force to prevent slipping.
4Reliability
If a metal ring is used, then the connection is secure, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex metal ring fabrication and assembly operations from the overall manufacturing process. By using pre-formed polymeric rings produced through injection molding, the design eliminates the need for on-site metalworking equipment, skilled metal fabrication operations, and complex fitting procedures. This extraction simplifies the assembly process to basic installation steps while maintaining connection security.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymeric ring design incorporates multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural support, creates sealing contact with the hose, distributes compression forces, and prevents hose end deformation. This multi-functional integration eliminates the need for separate components or complex assembly sequences, simplifying the overall assembly process while ensuring reliable connection.
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 solution reduces weight, production time, and cost while ensuring a secure connection without damaging the hose, allowing for efficient assembly and improved hydraulic sealing.
Implementation Method 1
ring 6 is deformed and exerts compression on hose 2 because of such deformation... ring 6 undergoes a deformation which is at least partly elastic. Such deformation generates compression on hose 2.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Connection (1) for a fluid comprising: a hose (2), in which a fluid is intended to flow, comprising: an outer layer (21) of polymeric material, an inner layer (22) of polymeric material, and at least one intermediate layer (23), interposed between the outer and inner layers (21, 22), made from net, mesh, braid, spiral-wrapped wire, textile fibres, fabric, or non-woven fabric; a connector (4), in which the fluid is intended to flow, and which is in fluidic communication with the hose (2); wherein the hose (2) is mounted around a male portion (8) of the connector (4); a ring (6) made of polymeric material, mounted around the hose (2) at the male portion (8) of the connector (4); when mounted around the hose (2) at the male portion (8), the ring (6) is deformed and exerts compression on the hose (2) because of such deformation.