US 2007/0040379 A1 · Connection assembly and related method

Abstract

A connection system for sealingly interconnecting components of a high pressure fluid flow system, for example, an automobile engine air intake. In one embodiment, the system includes a conduit defining a groove that is locked in a corresponding groove defined by a component, for example, an engine intake. An interlock ring is placed in the conduit groove. A clamp is placed over the interlock ring, however, the clamp and ring can be an integral component. When tightened, the clamp forces the ring into the conduit groove, which presses the conduit into sealing and/or locking engagement with the component groove. A corresponding method of installing the conduit with the connection assembly includes fitting the conduit over the component, fitting the ring in the conduit groove, and clamping the ring into the conduit groove to sealingly couple the conduit to the component.

Claims20

Dependent claims

An automobile air intake apparatus comprising:

a flexible conduit including an interior, an exterior and an end, the exterior defining a groove around the end, the groove reflected as a projection on the interior, the projection adapted to seat within a second groove defined by an intake, thereby mating the conduit to the intake in a fixed position;
a discontinuous interlock ring positioned over the conduit end and in the conduit groove without exerting a substantial clamping force on the conduit, the discontinuous interlock ring including opposing ends;
and
a clamp positioned over the end and adapted to clamp the conduit end to the intake,
wherein the clamp compresses the discontinuous interlock ring into the groove to drive the conduit projection into sealing engagement with the second groove on the intake, the ends of the discontinuous interlock ring being brought nearer one another as the projection is driven into sealing engagement with the second groove on the intake.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Connection assembly and related method

Life of this patent

Connection assembly and related method

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20