Tube Connector Slide Assembly for Reliable Seal Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal management systems for vehicles with electric and/or hybrid engines face challenges in simplifying the assembly of connectors with micro-channel tubes, requiring complex maneuvers and laborious processes to ensure reliable sealing.
Innovation Solution
A modular connector design featuring a head, a drawer with a through hole, and a seal ring, allowing for simplified assembly and reliable sealing through a snap connection mechanism and overmolded components, which reduces assembly force and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tubes are secured to connectors by brazing, then reliable sealing is achieved, but assembly becomes laborious and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into a head portion and a drawer portion that can be assembled separately. The drawer is inserted into the head in a simplified manner while the seal ring is pre-installed on the drawer, allowing the tube to be sealed by simply pushing it through the drawer without complex brazing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
A seal ring is introduced as an intermediary element between the drawer and the tube. This seal ring provides the sealing function that would otherwise require brazing, while allowing for simple mechanical assembly. The seal ring deforms under compression to create a reliable seal between the rigid components.
2Reliability
If complex maneuvers are used for assembly, then reliable connection is achieved, but assembly time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The seal ring is pre-installed on the drawer before the drawer is inserted into the head. This preliminary action ensures that the sealing mechanism is already in place and correctly positioned, eliminating the need for complex maneuvers during final assembly and reducing assembly time while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The drawer is designed to be movable relative to the head, allowing it to be inserted and removed easily. The snap-fit connection provides dynamic assembly capability where the drawer can be pushed in to engage with the head, creating a reliable connection through simple linear motion rather than complex maneuvers.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple structure is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but sealing reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The seal ring is made of elastomeric material that can deform under compression. This flexible sealing element compensates for any minor imperfections in the rigid head and drawer components, ensuring reliable sealing while maintaining a simple overall structure that is easy to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly combines different materials: rigid plastic or metal for the head and drawer providing structural integrity, and elastomeric material for the seal ring providing sealing capability. This composite approach allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
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 modular connector facilitates easy assembly and disassembly, provides a reliable seal, and is suitable for various surface types, enhancing the thermal management system's efficiency in cooling or heating objects.
Implementation Method 1
a second position, called the working position, in which the seal ring is capable of being compressed or deformed by the first end of the drawer
Implementation Method 2
the seal ring is capable of being compressed or deformed by the first end of the drawer
Implementation Method 3
the drawer and the seal ring are overmolded. Advantageously, this makes it possible to maintain the shape of the seal ring before inserting the tube
Data Source
Figure 1A~3B
Figure 4~6C
Figure 7A~8B
AI summary
The invention relates to a connector (10A; 10B; 10C) for connecting to a tube (20), comprising a head (200), a slide (600) having a through-hole, and a sealing ring (400) disposed between the head and the slide. The head (200) has a housing (230) adapted to receive a first end (602) of the slide. The slide received in the housing (230) comprises: - a first position, called the assembly position, in which the slide (200) is adapted to receive a tube (20) by a second end (604) of the slide such that the tube passes through the sealing ring (400); and - a second position, called the working position, in which the sealing ring (400) is capable of being compressed by the first end (602) of the slide. The slide (600) moves from the first position to the second position under the effect of a pushing force.