Corrugated Tube Connector With Tapered Braid Locking Under Pressure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connecting mechanisms for corrugated tubes with braids fail to securely hold the braid under high pressure, leading to potential damage to the tube.

Innovation Solution

A connecting mechanism featuring an inner sleeve with an inner tapered surface and an outer sleeve with an outer tapered surface, where one surface projects towards the other, creating a narrow annular region to firmly hold the braid between them, enhancing stability and preventing damage from high pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the braid is held between inner and outer tapered surfaces without projections, then the structure is simple, but the braid cannot be securely held under high pressure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraid holding stabilityVSAvoidsleeve structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by adding projections only at specific locations on the tapered surfaces where braid confinement is most critical. The projections are not distributed uniformly but are strategically placed to provide enhanced local gripping force on the braid, while the rest of the tapered surface maintains its original simple geometry for ease of manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The projections act as intermediary elements between the tapered surfaces and the braid. They provide an additional mechanical interface that enhances the holding action without requiring complete redesign of the tapered surface geometry. The projections mediate the force transmission from the sleeves to the braid, improving reliability while maintaining overall structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the braid holding region is wide, then the braid is easier to install, but the braid cannot be firmly held under high pressure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraid holding forceVSAvoidbraid installation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a localized narrow holding region through the projections that concentrates the gripping force on a specific annular strip of the braid. This narrow region provides firm holding under pressure, while the overall sleeve structure remains sufficiently large to accommodate easy braid installation. The transition from wide to narrow holding region is achieved through the gradual taper combined with the localized projection feature.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a uniform wide holding region to a concentrated narrow holding region by introducing projections that create a new dimensional feature. The projections add a radial dimension to the holding mechanism, creating a narrow annular strip-like region where the braid is firmly confined. This dimensional change allows the holding force to be concentrated in a specific zone rather than distributed uniformly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Strength

If high pressure is applied inside the corrugated tube, then the tube can withstand high tension, but the braid may become dislodged without proper holding features

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetube tension resistanceVSAvoidbraid retention
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by providing projections that pre-constrain the braid in the narrow holding region before high pressure is applied. These projections create a preliminary mechanical lock that prevents the braid from moving axially or radially. When high pressure is subsequently applied inside the tube, the braid remains securely held because the projections have already established a confining geometry that resists the pressure-induced forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The projections perform preliminary action by establishing the braid holding configuration during assembly, before the tube is subjected to operating pressures. The narrow annular region created by the projections pre-positions and secures the braid in place. This preliminary securing action ensures that when high tension and pressure are later applied to the tube, the braid is already firmly retained and cannot become dislodged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 mechanism effectively stabilizes the braid between the sleeves, preventing damage even under high tension, as demonstrated by increased braid disengagement and tube assembly durability in gas-tight and destructive tests.

Implementation Method 1

the outer tapered surface of the inner sleeve and the inner tapered surface of the outer sleeve cooperates with each other to hold an end of the braid between the inner tapered surface and the outer tapered surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical compression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

one of the inner tapered surface portion and the outer tapered surface portion has one or more portions projecting toward the other of the inner tapered surface portion and the outer tapered surface portion... the braid is firmly held at a narrow annular strip-like or line-like region in the vicinity of a top portion of the projection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce concentration:

Data Source

PatentUS10935171B1Connecting mechanism and tube assembly
Publication Date: 2021.03.02 TOFLE
  • US10935171B1 patent drawing
  • US10935171B1 patent drawing
  • US10935171B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A connector assembly for connecting a corrugated tube with a braid mounted on the periphery of the hose to a metal connector, comprises an inner sleeve mounted on the corrugated tube, and an outer sleeve mounted on the inner sleeve, the inner and outer sleeve cooperating with each other to hold the braid between the inner and outer sleeves. The inner and outer sleeves have respective inner and outer tapered surfaces. One of the inner and outer tapered surfaces has one or more portions projecting toward the other of the inner and outer tapered surfaces.