Blower Pipe Joint Structure With Axial and Circumferential Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blower pipe connection structures are complex, leading to increased manufacturing costs due to restricted molding methods and complications in injection molding processes.
Innovation Solution
A blower pipe design featuring a first pipe with projections engaging circumferential and axial positioning grooves on a second pipe, allowing for simplified connection and tolerance of dimensional errors, facilitating injection molding and reducing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple groove portions and concave-convex surfaces are formed in the axial and circumferential directions to accommodate dimensional errors, then the connection reliability is improved, but the connection structure complexity increases and manufacturing costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning function is segmented into two independent components: a circumferential positioning groove for restricting circumferential movement and an axial positioning groove for restricting axial movement. This segmentation allows each groove to have a simple, dedicated function rather than requiring a complex multi-functional groove structure, thereby maintaining connection reliability while reducing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The axial positioning function is extracted from the circumferential positioning groove and implemented through a separate axial positioning groove. This extraction simplifies the circumferential positioning groove to handle only circumferential constraints, while the axial positioning groove independently handles axial constraints, reducing overall connection structure complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If a complicated connection structure with multiple grooves and convexities is used, then dimensional errors in axial and circumferential directions are accommodated, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to restricted molding methods
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning grooves are segmented into simple axial and circumferential orientations that align with standard molding directions. This segmentation allows each groove to be formed using simple mold features rather than requiring complex multi-axis positioning features, thereby maintaining dimensional error tolerance while improving ease of manufacture through injection molding
Solution Approach 2:
The groove parameters are optimized to allow tolerance accommodation through simple geometric features rather than complex interlocking patterns. The grooves are designed with sufficient length and appropriate cross-sectional shapes that can absorb dimensional variations while maintaining simple mold geometries, enabling injection molding production
3Stability of the object's composition
If the connection structure is located away from end portions of pipes, then connection stability is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates as injection molding becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning grooves are extracted and positioned at the distal end of the second pipe, separating the positioning function from the main pipe body. This positioning allows the grooves to be formed in a location that is accessible to injection molding processes while still providing stable connection through proper engagement with projections on the first pipe
Solution Approach 2:
The connection structure is designed with local quality optimization where the positioning grooves are concentrated at specific locations (distal end) rather than distributed throughout the pipe. This localized positioning provides sufficient connection stability while maintaining ease of manufacture by concentrating mold features in a favorable location for injection molding
Data Source
AI summary
A blower pipe comprises an intermediate pipe (a second pipe) including a circumferential positioning groove and an axial positioning groove, and a proximal pipe (a first pipe) including a first projection and a second projection on an outer peripheral surface thereof. The proximal pipe is connected to the intermediate pipe with the distal end portion of the proximal pipe being inserted in a proximal end opening of the intermediate pipe, the first projection being engaged with the circumferential positioning groove in a circumferential direction of the intermediate pipe, and the second projection being engaged with the axial positioning groove in an axial direction of the intermediate pipe.