Pressure Vessel Quick-Connect Sealing in Tight Assembly Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure vessel connections require mechanical aids like open-end wrenches for assembly and disassembly, which is complex and time-consuming due to limited space in motor vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism with first and second clamping levers pivotably connected to the connecting element and pressure vessel, respectively, applies compressive forces for secure attachment and disengagement using a kinematic clamping action, allowing easy assembly and disassembly without additional tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a connecting element with internal and external threads is used for fluid-tight connection, then a sealed connection is achieved, but mechanical aids like open-end wrenches are required for assembly and disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
A connecting element with integrated seal acts as an intermediary component between the pressure vessel and the quick-connect mechanism. This mediator enables both fluid-tight sealing and tool-free operation by combining the sealing function with the quick-connect interface, eliminating the need for separate threaded connections that would require wrenches.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick-connect mechanism is designed to be self-servicing, allowing assembly and disassembly without external mechanical aids. The operator can directly engage or disengage the connecting element from the pressure vessel using hand operation, making the system self-sufficient for connection tasks without requiring additional tools like open-end wrenches.
2Strength
If mechanical aids like open-end wrenches are used for assembly, then secure connection is achieved, but sufficient structural and clearance space is required on the connecting element
Solution Approach 1:
The connection security function and the space-saving design are merged into a single integrated quick-connect mechanism. The connecting element combines the sealing interface, the engagement features, and the actuation mechanism in one compact unit, eliminating the need for separate wrenches and reducing the overall space requirement while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using external mechanical aids (wrenches) to achieve secure connection, the invention inverts the approach by designing the connecting element itself to provide the securing mechanism through its integrated quick-connect features. The connection security is achieved through the design of the connecting element's engagement features rather than through external tools.
3Reliability
If threaded connecting elements are used for assembly, then fluid-tight sealing is achieved, but assembly and disassembly become complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional threaded mechanical connection system is replaced with a quick-connect mechanism that uses a different mechanical principle (cam-actuated or lever-actuated engagement) to achieve fluid-tight sealing. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming threading and unthreading operations while maintaining the sealing reliability through the integrated seal design.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal is pre-positioned and pre-configured on the connecting element during manufacturing, so that when the connecting element is engaged with the pressure vessel, the sealing action occurs automatically as part of the connection process. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for separate sealing operations and reduces assembly time while ensuring reliable fluid-tight sealing.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a pressure vessel (52) for storing a fluid in an interior (58), having a vessel opening (55) for conducting the fluid out of the interior of the pressure vessel and a connecting member (62) for fixing the connecting member to the pressure vessel in a fluid-tight manner, the connecting member comprising: a connecting element (63) having an opening (65) for conducting the fluid out through the vessel opening in the pressure vessel and through the opening in the connecting element; a mechanism (79) for form-fittingly and detachably fixing the connecting element to the pressure vessel such that the connecting element rests on the pressure vessel with a compressive force, wherein the mechanism comprises a first tensioning lever (80) and a second tensioning lever (81), which are connected pivotably relative to one another to a connecting joint such that, when the first tensioning lever and second tensioning lever are in a fixing position relative to one another, a compressive force is applied with the mechanism to the connecting element, and the connecting element bears against the pressure vessel with the compressive force.