Coupling system for connecting two fluid conduits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling systems for vacuum cleaners fail to provide a reliable and efficient fluid-tight connection between the handle and hose, especially when allowing rotational movement, leading to reduced suction effect and increased energy consumption due to leaks and manufacturing tolerances.
Innovation Solution
A coupling system featuring a first annular coupling element fixed to the handle, a second annular coupling element for the hose, and an additional ring with a deformable seal that rotates on the outer wall of the sleeve, ensuring a tight seal and rotational mobility by shifting friction surfaces away from the system wall, and a guide groove to limit axial movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a coupling system allows rotational movement between handle and hose, then the hose can rotate to prevent twisting, but the fluid-tight connection deteriorates due to manufacturing tolerances and leaks
Solution Approach 1:
A deformable sealing ring is introduced as an intermediary element between the first and second coupling elements. This sealing ring deforms under compression to fill gaps caused by manufacturing tolerances, maintaining fluid-tight connection while allowing rotational movement through its elastic properties
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing ring's physical state is changed from rigid to deformable, allowing it to adapt its shape and maintain sealing pressure despite relative motion between coupling elements. The material properties enable the seal to deform during rotation and recover to maintain fluid-tight connection
2Reliability
If a rigid seal is used to ensure fluid-tight connection, then sealing quality improves, but rotational movement is restricted due to friction and binding
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element transitions from a rigid state to a deformable elastic state, enabling it to maintain sealing contact through material deformation rather than rigid constraint. This allows rotational movement while preserving fluid-tight connection through the material's elastic recovery
3Reliability
If manufacturing tolerances are reduced to improve sealing, then fluid-tight connection improves, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing ring's deformability compensates for dimensional variations in coupling elements, allowing standard manufacturing tolerances to be used. The material's elastic properties enable it to adapt to slight variations in size and shape without requiring precision machining
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system combines rigid coupling elements with a deformable sealing ring made of elastomeric material. This composite approach allows the rigid parts to be manufactured with standard tolerances while the flexible seal compensates for variations, simplifying overall manufacturing
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 system achieves a high-quality, reliable fluid-tight connection that allows rotational movement, enhancing the suction effect and energy efficiency of the vacuum cleaner by compensating for manufacturing tolerances and preventing leaks.
Implementation Method 1
an annular, deformable seal which, in the connected state, is pressed against the system wall in order to seal the fluid-conducting connection
Implementation Method 2
the rotatable mounting of the sleeve is shifted away from the system wall to friction surfaces between the inside of the additional ring and the outer wall of the sleeve
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~3a
Figure 3b~3c
AI summary
A coupling system (200) for connecting two fluid lines is described. The coupling system (200) comprises a first annular or tubular coupling element (210) that is fixedly connected or connectable to a first fluid line, and a second annular coupling element (220) configured to enclose a second fluid line. Furthermore, the coupling system (200) comprises an annular sleeve (230) that can be fixedly connected to one end of the second fluid line. The first coupling element (210) and the second coupling element (220) can be connected to one another such that, in the connected state, the sleeve (230) is rotatably enclosed by the first and second coupling elements (210, 220), and a fluid-conducting connection is formed between the first coupling element (210) and the sleeve (230).In the connected state, the sleeve (230) is surrounded radially by a system wall (211) formed by the first and/or second coupling element (210, 220). The sleeve (230) also includes an additional ring (332) rotatably mounted on an outer wall (333) of the sleeve (230). An annular, deformable seal (331) is arranged on the additional ring (332) and, in the connected state, is pressed against the system wall (211) to seal the fluid-conducting connection. The additional ring (332) has an inner surface (338) oriented towards the outer wall (333) of the sleeve (230), made of a material that is not significantly deformable. The outer wall (333) of the sleeve (230) and the inner surface (338) of the additional ring (332) form friction surfaces that allow the additional ring (332) to rotate about an axis of the sleeve (230) relative to the outer wall (333).