Protruded socket for reducing insertion force

Abstract

The invention provides a socket. The socket comprises a first wall and a second wall which are oppositely arranged; a base substantially vertically adjoins the first wall and the second wall, the base forming a recess with the first wall and the second wall. An end of the second wall away from the base has a protrusion ramped toward the recess such that an interval between the protrusions of the first wall and the second wall is narrower than an interval between non-protruding segments of the first wall and the second wall.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of machinery, and in particular to a socket with a protrusion for reducing insertion force. Background Art

[0002] Connectors typically utilize sealing rings (e.g., O-rings) with suitable cross-sectional shapes to achieve fluid or gas seals, making them essential components in a variety of industrial products, regardless of the male or female components they are integrated into. During insertion, the sealing ring creates resistance against the mating component, which can constitute a major portion of the total assembly force applied. Therefore, reducing this resistance becomes crucial to achieving lower assembly forces, potentially eliminating the need for component rework and meeting specific customer requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0003] An object of the present disclosure is to overcome the disadvantages of the related art and to provide a socket that allows for reducing the insertion force during insertion by, for example, a male plug while maintaining the sealing pressure.

[0004] The present disclosure provides a socket, comprising: a first wall and a second wall disposed opposite each other; a base substantially perpendicularly adjacent to the first wall and the second wall, the base forming a recess with the first wall and the second wall; and a protrusion having an end of the second wall distal to the base that slopes toward the recess, such that a gap between the protrusion of the first wall and the second wall is narrower than a gap between a non-protruding section of the first wall and the second wall.

[0005] In a possible embodiment, respective end surfaces of the first wall and the second wall away from the base are substantially flush with each other.

[0006] In a possible embodiment, the protrusions are rounded.

[0007] In a possible embodiment, a side of the second wall facing the recessed portion smoothly transitions from the base portion to an end surface of the second wall.

[0008] In a possible embodiment, the protrusion is provided with a plurality of cutouts in a direction substantially parallel to the base.

[0009] In a possible embodiment, the number of the incisions is greater than one.

[0010] In a possible embodiment, the cutouts are equidistant from one another.

[0011] In a possible embodiment, the recess is configured to accommodate a sealing ring.

[0012] In a possible embodiment, the socket is arranged in a tubular joint.

[0013] In a possible embodiment, the size of the protrusion is adjusted by an inclination angle and / or an inclination ratio. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Further features, details and advantages of the present disclosure are shown in the description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1 The figure shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a socket according to exemplary embodiments disclosed herein.

[0016] Figure 2 The figure shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a socket according to an exemplary embodiment disclosed herein, wherein markings indicate tilt angles and tilt ratios.

[0017] Figure 3 The figure shows a schematic cross-sectional view of another socket according to exemplary embodiments disclosed herein.

[0018] Figure 4 The figure shows a schematic cross-sectional view of yet another socket according to exemplary embodiments disclosed herein.

[0019] Figure 5 The figure shows a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of a socket according to exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, wherein a cutout is provided on a protrusion.

[0020] Figure 6 The graph shows simulation results comparing deformation of a sealing ring in a socket with a protrusion according to an exemplary embodiment disclosed herein with deformation of a sealing ring in a socket without a protrusion according to the related art when resistance reaches a maximum during insertion.

[0021] Figure 7 The graph shows simulation results comparing the contact pressure on the sealing ring in a socket with a protrusion according to an exemplary embodiment disclosed herein with the contact pressure in a socket without a protrusion according to the related art when the resistance reaches a maximum value during insertion.

[0022] Figure 8 Graphs of simulation results are shown, illustrating assembly force and expected sealing pressure as relative percentages of assembly force without protrusions given different tilt ratios and tilt angles, according to exemplary embodiments disclosed herein.

[0023] Figure 9 FIGURES illustrate a graph of simulation results showing assembly force and expected sealing pressure without protrusions versus different recess depths according to exemplary comparative embodiments disclosed herein.

[0024] Figure 10The figure shows a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of a socket arranged in a tubular joint with a male plug to be inserted according to exemplary embodiments disclosed herein.

[0025] Figure 11 The figure shows a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of a socket arranged in a tubular joint together with a male plug to be inserted and a sealing ring arranged in a recess of the socket according to exemplary embodiments disclosed herein.

[0026] Figure 12 Schematic perspective cross-sectional views of a socket arranged in a tubular joint together with a male plug to be inserted and a sealing ring arranged in a recess of the socket according to exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are shown from different angles. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The following descriptions of the exemplary embodiments refer to the accompanying drawings. These exemplary embodiments are merely specific embodiments in which the present disclosure may be implemented and are not intended to impose any limitations on the scope of the present disclosure. Directional terms mentioned in the present disclosure, such as [up], [down], [front], [back], [left], [right], [inside], [outside], [end], etc., only refer to directions with reference to the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the directional terms used are used to illustrate and understand the present disclosure, rather than to limit the present disclosure. In the accompanying drawings, units with similar structures are represented by the same reference numerals. In the accompanying drawings, for the sake of clear understanding and ease of description, the sizes of some components are exaggerated and / or the structures of some components are simplified. That is, the size and structure of each component shown in the drawings are shown schematically, and the present disclosure does not limit this.

[0028] Figure 1 The figure shows a schematic front view of a socket according to an exemplary embodiment disclosed herein. Figure 1As shown, the socket may include a first wall 1 and a second wall 2 arranged or disposed relative to each other. A base 3 may be substantially perpendicularly adjacent to the first and second walls 1 and 2. In some examples, the base 3 may be integrally formed with the first and second walls 1 and 2. In some examples, the base 3 may be positioned so as to contact the first and second walls in a substantially perpendicular direction. In these cases, contact between the base and the first and / or second walls may be achieved using a reworkable connection (e.g., bolts, pins, etc.) and / or a non-reworkable connection (e.g., welding, adhesive bonding, etc.). The base 3 may form a cavity with the first and second walls 1 and 2, thereby creating a recess 4 within the socket. Similar to the first wall 1, the second wall 2 may extend beyond the base 3, and a protrusion 22 may be provided at a distal end of the second wall 2, distal from the base 3, that tapers toward the recess 4 formed by the first, second, and base 3 walls 1 and 2. Due to the taper of the protrusion 22, the spacing between the protrusions 22 of the first and second walls 1 and 2 is narrower than the spacing between the non-protruding sections 5 of the first and second walls 1 and 2 of the same recess 4. Furthermore, the distance between the protrusions 22 of the first wall 1 and the second wall 2 becomes narrower as the distance from the base 3 increases.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, a sealing ring 6 (e.g., an O-ring or any ring having an appropriate cross-sectional shape) may optionally be disposed within recess 4. It should be understood that the sealing ring 6 may be disposed at the socket (specifically, within recess 4) or at a mating piece (e.g., a male plug) to be inserted into the socket (e.g., disposed within a groove of the mating piece), and the present disclosure does not impose any limitations in this regard. In some cases, the present socket design may also be applied to (e.g., disposed on) a mating piece (e.g., a male plug), such that the sealing ring 6 may need to be disposed at the mating piece.

[0030] In the assembly of male and female inserts sealed by sealing rings, there is a real need to reduce the resistance. Figure 1 With the described socket design, the drag force contributed by the sealing ring can be significantly reduced compared to a standard vertical wall recess having the same width and depth dimensions. This reduction in force can be achieved without requiring any modification to the sealing ring and without incurring additional costs or affecting the sealing pressure. By introducing a ramp or partial ramp into the wall of the recess facing the insertion direction (e.g., as Figure 1 This desired result is achieved by using a second wall 2 as shown, which is expected to be easy to achieve during the manufacturing process.

[0031] As used herein, when reference is made to resistance, it may also refer to insertion force and / or assembly force, if applicable. That is, the terms resistance, insertion force, and / or assembly force may be used interchangeably throughout this disclosure.

[0032] Continue to refer to Figure 1, the first wall 1 and the second wall 2 can extend beyond the base 3 to substantially the same height, thereby producing a substantially flush configuration. In some embodiments, the respective end surfaces 11 , 21 of the first wall 1 and the second wall 2 away from the base 3 are substantially flush with each other.

[0033] Figure 2 The figure shows a schematic front view of a socket according to an exemplary embodiment disclosed herein, wherein the markings indicate the tilt angle and tilt ratio. Figure 2 As shown, the socket design described in this paper incorporates flexibility by allowing variations based on specific application requirements. This flexibility can be defined by two geometric parameters: the tilt angle and the tilt ratio, as Figure 2 These parameters can be adjusted and dimensioned to achieve the desired performance, for example, relatively low resistance during insertion of a male plug.

[0034] As used herein, the inclination angle θ may refer to the angle at which the wall of the recess (e.g., the inclined portion of the second wall) is sloped relative to the vertical. This angle may be selected based on the desired reduction in resistance and ease of insertion. For example, a larger inclination angle may result in a greater reduction in resistance, while a smaller angle may be more suitable for applications where a stronger feedback during insertion is desired.

[0035] As used herein, the inclination ratio a / b can refer to the ratio between the depth a of the ramped portion and the total depth b of the recess. This ratio allows for further customization because it determines the extent of the ramping along the wall of the recess. By adjusting the inclination angle and / or the inclination ratio, the socket design as described herein can be customized to take into account the shape and / or size of the mating piece and the desired resistance that the operator will experience without sacrificing the designed sealing pressure. In some embodiments, the size of the protrusion 22 can be adjusted by the inclination angle and / or the inclination ratio as described above.

[0036] Figure 3 The figure shows a schematic front view of another socket according to an exemplary embodiment disclosed herein. Figure 3 As shown, after determining the dimensions of these two parameters, a radius can be added to the edge of the protrusion 22 to round the protrusion 22, as depicted by the rounded protrusion 22 surrounded by a dotted line. These radii can help ensure a smooth fit and insertion by reducing stress concentrations and eliminating sharp edges. The size of the radius can be determined based on factors such as the size of the sealing ring or sealing element, the material properties, and the desired assembly characteristics. In some embodiments, the protrusion 22 can be rounded.

[0037] Figure 4 The figure shows a schematic front view of another socket according to the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein. Figure 4As shown, alternatively or in addition to adding a radius to the edge, a completely smooth curvature can be integrated into the socket design to match the geometric definition of the protrusion 22, as depicted by the smoothly curved protrusion 22 surrounded by a dashed line. This smooth curvature can help optimize the transition between the sloped portion and the remaining portion of the second wall 2, further enhancing overall functionality. The smooth curvature can distribute stress more evenly along the surface of the second wall 2, thereby minimizing stress concentration points that can lead to premature wear or failure. This is particularly important in applications where the socket is subject to high mechanical loads or vibration. Furthermore, the addition of a smooth curvature contributes to a visually pleasing design, which is particularly useful in applications where aesthetics are a concern.

[0038] In some embodiments, the side of the second wall 2 facing the recess 4 smoothly transitions from the base 3 to the end surface 21 of the second wall 2. It should be understood that any suitable type of smooth curve may be applied, and the present disclosure does not impose any limitations in this regard.

[0039] Figure 5 The figure shows a schematic perspective view of a socket according to an exemplary embodiment disclosed herein, wherein a cutout is provided on a protrusion. Figure 5 As shown, the sloped portion of the second wall 2 (i.e., the protrusion 22) is discontinuous with small peripheral cutouts 7, making these discontinuous sections vertical rather than protruding, thereby allowing gas to pass into and out of the recess 4. This prevents the formation of a vacuum in the recess 4, which would adversely affect the sealing performance. The number and location of these ventilation cutouts can be adjusted according to the specific application requirements.

[0040] In some embodiments, the protrusion 22 may optionally be provided with a plurality of cutouts 7 in a direction substantially parallel to the base 3 .

[0041] In some embodiments, the number of the cutouts 7 may be greater than one.

[0042] In some embodiments, the plurality of cutouts 7 may be equidistant from one another.

[0043] Figure 6 The figure shows simulation results comparing deformation of a sealing ring in a socket with a protrusion according to an exemplary embodiment disclosed herein with deformation of a sealing ring in a socket without a protrusion according to the related art when resistance reaches a maximum value during insertion, and Figure 7 The graph shows simulation results comparing the contact pressure on the sealing ring in a socket with a protrusion according to an exemplary embodiment disclosed herein with the contact pressure in a socket without a protrusion according to the related art when the resistance reaches a maximum value during insertion.

[0044] exist Figure 6 and Figure 7, the figure on the left corresponds to a recess with vertical walls in the related art, while the figure on the right corresponds to a recess with walls with protrusions as described herein. As depicted in the left figure, when the counterpart is inserted and presses the sealing ring against the vertical wall, the extrusion force components (Fc and Fw) intersect, resulting in high strain and high contact pressure near the contact area between the sealing ring and the counterpart. However, as depicted in the right figure, when the wall facing the insertion direction is sloped or partially sloped, the top portion of the sloped wall (e.g., the second wall 2) squeezes the sealing ring in different directions, thereby staggering the extrusion force applied by the counterpart. In addition, the bottom portion of the sloped wall forms a pocket, allowing the sealing ring to slide in slightly instead of being further deformed under pressure from the counterpart. This sliding-in effect reduces the stiffness of the support provided by the bottom portion of the sloped or partially sloped wall, resulting in a lower reaction force. As shown in the figure, Figure 6 and Figure 7 It is clearly demonstrated how the proposed mechanism leads to reduced strain and contact pressure at the contact area between the sealing ring and the counterpart, and ultimately to reduced resistance.

[0045] Figure 8 Graphs of simulation results are shown, illustrating assembly force and expected sealing pressure as relative percentages of assembly force without protrusions given different tilt ratios and tilt angles, according to exemplary embodiments disclosed herein.

[0046] As shown in the figure, after simulation verification, it was found that the proposed socket design can significantly reduce the resistance caused by the sealing ring by selecting a relatively small tilt ratio and / or setting a relatively large tilt angle for a given fixed recess depth, without having to change the sealing ring or sacrificing any sealing pressure. It should be noted that for the same recess depth, the resistance generated by different tilt ratios and / or different tilt angles is expressed as a relative percentage of the resistance in the absence of a protrusion on the second wall (for example, 100% represents the resistance originally measured in a socket with the same recess depth and non-protruding walls). Moreover, it can be seen from the simulation that the expected sealing pressure does not decrease for varying tilt ratios and / or tilt angles.

[0047] As used herein, resistance may refer to the peak resistance encountered during insertion of a counterpart.

[0048] The intuitive methods for reducing the resistance of the sealing ring include making deeper recesses, thinner sealing rings or softer sealing ring materials. However, these methods will bring trade-offs such as lower sealing pressure and increased component tolerance requirements. For example, Figure 9The figure shows a graph of simulation results according to an exemplary comparative embodiment disclosed herein, which shows the relationship between the assembly force and the expected sealing pressure without a protrusion and different recess depths. Figure 9 As shown, the reduction in resistance achieved by deepening the recess is achieved with the disadvantage of a corresponding reduction in the expected sealing pressure.

[0049] The proposed socket design effectively minimizes the resistance of the sealing ring, resulting in lower assembly forces while maintaining sealing pressure. Notably, the proposed design can be implemented in existing manufacturing processes without significant effort.

[0050] Figure 10 The figure shows a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of a socket arranged in a tubular joint with a male plug 8 to be inserted according to exemplary embodiments disclosed herein.

[0051] In some embodiments, the proposed socket may be provided in a tubular joint, e.g. Figure 10 shown.

[0052] Figure 11 The figure shows a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of a socket disposed in a tubular joint, together with a male plug 8 to be inserted and a sealing ring 6 disposed in a recess 4 of the socket, according to an exemplary embodiment disclosed herein. However, it should be understood that the sealing ring 6 can be disposed at the socket (specifically, in the recess 4) or at a counterpart (e.g., male plug 8) to be inserted into the socket (e.g., disposed in a groove of the counterpart), and the present disclosure does not impose any limitations in this regard. In some cases, the present socket design can also be applied to (e.g., arranged on) a counterpart (e.g., male plug 8), so that it may be necessary to dispose the sealing ring 6 at the counterpart.

[0053] In some embodiments, the recess 4 may be configured to accommodate a sealing ring, such as Figure 11 shown.

[0054] Figure 12 Schematic perspective cross-sectional views of a socket disposed within a tubular fitting, along with a male plug to be inserted and a sealing ring disposed within a recess of the socket, are shown from various angles according to exemplary embodiments disclosed herein. The proposed socket design, whether used alone or in combination with other industrial features, has the potential to significantly reduce the assembly force required to insert male and female components sealed with the sealing ring. This force reduction is an important performance metric often sought by customers and crucial in practical applications.

[0055] While the present disclosure has been described in connection with what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiment, but is intended to cover various arrangements embodied without departing from the scope of the broadest interpretation of the appended claims.

[0056] Reference numerals

[0057] 1 First Wall

[0058] 2 Second Wall

[0059] 3 base

[0060] 4 concavity

[0061] 5 Non-protruding segment

[0062] 6 Sealing ring

[0063] 7 incision

[0064] 8 male plugs

[0065] 11,21 end surface

[0066] 22 protrusion

Claims

1. A socket, comprising: a first wall and a second wall disposed opposite to each other; a base substantially perpendicularly adjacent the first wall and the second wall, the base forming a recess with the first wall and the second wall, The second wall has a protrusion at one end away from the base that slopes toward the recess, so that a gap between the protrusions of the first wall and the second wall is narrower than a gap between non-protrusion sections of the first wall and the second wall.

2. The socket according to claim 1, wherein Respective end surfaces of the first wall and the second wall remote from the base are substantially flush with each other.

3. The socket according to claim 2, wherein: The protrusions are rounded.

4. The socket according to claim 2, wherein: A side of the second wall facing the recess smoothly transitions from the base to an end surface of the second wall.

5. The socket according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The protrusion is provided with a plurality of cutouts in a direction substantially parallel to the base. The socket according to claim 5 , wherein: The number of the cutouts is greater than one.

7. The socket according to claim 6, wherein: The cutouts are equidistant from one another.

8. The socket according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The recess is configured to accommodate a sealing ring.

9. The socket according to claim 8, wherein The socket is disposed within the tubular joint.

10. The socket according to claim 1, wherein The size of the protrusion is adjusted by the inclination angle and / or the inclination ratio.

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