Sliding Pipe Coupling with Return Elements for Secure Pre-Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coaxial connection devices for pipes in motor vehicle air conditioning systems lack security in assembly and visibility of connection status, making pre-assembly impossible and faulty connections difficult to detect.
Innovation Solution
A connecting piece with radially external and internal elements that can slide and pre-assemble on the pipes, featuring first and second return elements to facilitate secure assembly and automatic detection of faulty connections by opening radially in case of bad locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional open collar connecting piece is used for coaxial connection of two pipes, then the connection can be made, but the assembly is not secure and pre-assembly is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting piece is divided into two separable halves that can be assembled independently on the pipes before being joined together. This segmentation allows pre-assembly where each half is fitted to a pipe end, then the halves are connected to form a complete securing mechanism, enabling both secure connection and pre-assembly capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The two halves of the connecting piece are designed to be pre-assembled on the pipes before final connection. This preliminary action allows the connecting pieces to be positioned and secured on each pipe end separately, then joined together to complete the connection, making pre-assembly possible and improving connection reliability.
2Loss of information
If a traditional connecting piece is used, then the connection can be made, but it is not possible to visually detect whether the connection has been made or not
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting piece incorporates visual indicators such as colored elements or visible features that change or become apparent when the connection is properly made. This allows operators to visually detect whether the connection has been successfully completed without adding significant structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting piece design includes visible feedback mechanisms that provide immediate visual confirmation when the connection is properly established. This feedback allows operators to detect connection status at a glance, reducing information loss about connection state without substantially increasing device complexity.
3Reliability
If an annular sealing gasket is tightly clamped between connecting elements, then the seal is enhanced, but the assembly requires high force and is difficult to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting piece is split into two halves that are assembled separately on each pipe end, then joined together. This segmentation distributes the assembly process, allowing the sealing action to occur gradually as the halves are brought together, reducing the peak force required and making assembly easier while maintaining seal quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The two halves of the connecting piece are pre-assembled on the pipes before final connection. This preliminary positioning allows the sealing gasket to be gradually compressed as the halves are joined, distributing the sealing force over a longer period and reducing assembly difficulty while ensuring reliable sealing.
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
Enables secure pre-assembly and easy detection of faulty connections, ensuring a reliable and visually confirmable coaxial connection between pipes.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first return element configured to allow pre-assembly of the connecting part on the external connection area in a position away from the two parts, by pressing radially on a larger diameter surface of the tubing equipped with the external connection element
Implementation Method 2
at least one second return element configured to press radially on a smaller diameter surface of the tubing equipped with the external connection element
Implementation Method 3
The two connecting parts are capable of sliding one inside the other, between a spread position and a closed position in which the two receiving areas are able to hold the connecting elements together
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Part (2) for coaxially coupling two pipes (3, 4) of elongate shape, characterized in that this part comprises two coupling portions (6, 7) each one provided with a receiving zone (15) for receiving a coupling element (31, 41) of each pipe (3, 4) these being a radially external coupling element (41) and a radially internal coupling element (31), the two coupling portions (6, 7) being able to slide one inside the other, between a position in which the two portions (6, 7) are separated and a position in which the two portions (6, 7) are tight together, in which position the two receiving zones (15) are able to hold the coupling elements (31, 41) together and to form a closed contour, and in that at least one coupling portion (6, 7) comprises: at least one first return element (24) configured to allow the coupling part (2) to be preassembled on the external coupling element (41) in a position in which the two portions (6, 7) are separated, pressing radially on a larger-diameter surface of the pipe (4) fitted with the external coupling element (41), and at least one second return element (25) configured to press radially on a smaller-diameter surface of the pipe (4) fitted with the external coupling element (41).