Angled Tooth Connector Prevents Tube Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tube connectors allow rotation of the tube, which is undesirable in certain applications such as shut-off valves, where a fixed radial orientation would improve usability and installation neatness.
Innovation Solution
The connector features angled teeth that resist rotation by presenting a broader face than conventional collet teeth, with angles between 20° and 70°, and a tapered surface that increases gripping force, along with a locking ring to secure the tube in place and prevent rotation, and optional features like a bushing or complementary features to prevent collet rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the collet is made non-rotatable within the body, then the tube rotation is prevented, but the structure becomes more complex requiring additional features like keyways or splines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the angled teeth serve multiple functions: they provide axial gripping through the tapered bore interaction, provide rotational resistance through their angular orientation, and eliminate the need for separate anti-rotation features. This multi-functionality prevents tube rotation without adding structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the gripping function and anti-rotation function into a single tooth geometry. The angled teeth simultaneously perform both axial retention and rotational resistance, combining what would traditionally require separate features into one integrated solution
2Reliability
If the tooth angle is increased to improve rotational resistance, then the resistance to tube rotation increases, but the gripping force may be reduced and insertion interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the tooth angle parameter to a specific range (10°-30° to the radial direction) that balances rotational resistance and gripping force. This parameter selection ensures the angled teeth provide sufficient rotational resistance while maintaining adequate gripping capability and minimizing insertion interference
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 effectively prevents tube rotation within the connector, enhancing the usability and installation of shut-off valves by providing a secure and resistant connection.
Implementation Method 1
the body has a tapered surface which tapers in the axial direction positioned to urge the or each first tooth radially inwardly as it is moved axially into the body
Implementation Method 2
the connector further comprises a locking ring, which is preferably arranged to be advanced along the body after insertion of the tube and, in doing so, causes the tapered surface to urge the first teeth radially inwardly
Implementation Method 3
the radially tapered surfaces will cause the or each tooth to grip the tube more tightly thereby increasing the resistive force with the rotational force
Data Source
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AI summary
A connector having a body 1 with a central throughway in which a tube T is received. A collet 30 within the body has a plurality of flexible legs 32 arranged to grip the tube T if a force is applied to withdraw the tube. The connector further comprises at least one first tooth 14, the first tooth having a gripping edge in a plane angled to a plane perpendicular to the main axis of the connector, and being mountable with respect to the body so as to be non-rotatable about the main axis X.