Reinforced Conduit Connector Structure for Locking Spring Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for liquid or gaseous media in motor vehicles are prone to damage due to applied force, particularly in the area of the locking spring, leading to a lack of durability and sealing effectiveness over the vehicle's lifetime.
Innovation Solution
A reinforced connector design featuring a connector body with an annular space surrounded by two sleeve-like casing sections, incorporating a reinforcing element between these sections, which enhances strength and prevents unwanted widening of passages, ensuring a high sealing effect and durability through the use of a reinforcing element that can be pre-formed and jointly punched with the connector body to create a congruent joint passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a locking spring is used to secure the connecting piece, then the connector can be easily assembled and disassembled, but the locking spring is prone to damage when force is applied
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple casing sections (first casing section, second casing section) with a reinforcing element inserted between them. This segmentation allows the locking spring to be isolated within the protected annular space, preventing external forces from damaging it while maintaining operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector combines multiple material structures: the locking spring (metallic, elastic), the casing sections (protective housing), and the reinforcing element (structural support). This composite structure protects the locking spring from damage while preserving its functionality for easy assembly and disassembly.
2Reliability
If passages are formed in the connector body for receiving locking elements, then the connector can be securely locked, but the passages may widen unintentionally reducing connection strength
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing element acts as an intermediary structure inserted between the first and second casing sections. It provides internal support to the passages, preventing them from widening unintentionally while allowing the locking elements to be securely received, thus maintaining both locking security and connection strength.
3Strength
If a reinforcing element is inserted between casing sections, then the connector strength is increased, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into distinct modular components: first casing section, second casing section, reinforcing element, and locking spring. This modular segmentation allows the reinforcing element to be independently manufactured and inserted, simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the increased structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector has a connector body, which connector body includes an annular space which lies between a sleeve-like first casing section and a sleeve-like second casing section of the connector. The first casing section of the connector body is connected to the second casing section at a first end section by a first end wall section. The casing sections are open to one another at a second end section. In the first casing section and in the second casing section at least two passages are formed which are provided for mounting a locking element. In the connector body between the first casing section and the second casing section a reinforcing element is inserted, wherein the reinforcing element is arranged at least in the area of one of the passages.