Automotive Sealed Connection Device Angular Force Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection devices for air conditioning and power steering circuits in motor vehicles, particularly those using carbon dioxide as refrigerant, suffer from leaks due to relative angular displacements under fluid pressure and complex assembly processes, leading to significant refrigerant loss.
Innovation Solution
A sealed connection device featuring two connection flanges assembled by an offset clamping screw with a flexible support means that includes a rigid transfer end piece and bulges to compensate for angular forces, ensuring leak-tight communication and simplifying assembly by using a flexible flange with integrated bulges and a positioning aid pin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional connection flanges are assembled with offset clamping screws, then the tubes can communicate with each other through conical/spherical seals, but the flanges experience relative angular displacements under fluid pressure causing leaks
Solution Approach 1:
A support means is introduced as an intermediary element between the two connection flanges. This support means includes means for holding the end piece in the mounted position and means for compensating angular forces generated by fluid pressure, thereby preventing relative angular displacements between flanges and maintaining sealing reliability under high pressure conditions
2Ease of operation
If conventional connection devices use offset clamping screws to assemble flanges, then the tubes can be connected, but the assembly process becomes relatively difficult requiring significant assembly efforts
Solution Approach 1:
The support means acts as a mediator during assembly, providing structural guidance and alignment for the end piece and flanges. This intermediary structure simplifies the assembly process by reducing the complexity of aligning and securing the connection components, thereby improving ease of operation
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 minimizes refrigerant leaks and simplifies assembly, reducing the risk of fluid loss and operational efforts while maintaining a secure seal under high pressure conditions.
Implementation Method 1
means for putting the transfer housings in leaktight communication with each other by two contact circles formed by assembly of conical/spherical type, these means comprising a rigid transfer end piece with two axial ends substantially in the form of truncated spheres designed to form these contact circles with two frustoconical surfaces formed in the transfer housings
Implementation Method 2
said support means may consist of a flexible flange having, in addition to said mounting and fixing through-holes, at least one rigid bulge (for example metal) which constitutes said means for angularly holding said end piece and which protrudes into the axial direction of the flange over a zone of one or each of the transverse face(s) of the flange
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The device (1) has connecting clamps (2, 3) mounted opposite to each other using two fluid transfer housings (6, 7) for receiving tubes (4, 5), where the housings are formed across the clamps. A rigid transfer nozzle (13) has a flange (11) that is arranged axially between clamps. The flange includes a rigid maintenance insert (15) to maintain the nozzle in a sealed mounting position in the housings by compensating angular force generated due to the pressure of fluid of the housings on the clamps.