Tensile Resistant Coupler With Movable Abutment Means
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tube couplers cause increased insertion force and potential damage to tubes due to the clamp ring's extremities extending into the tube's trajectory, which is problematic for high-pressure applications.
Innovation Solution
The coupler incorporates abutment means to prevent free rotation of the clamp ring, allowing the split to be positioned favorably, with movable abutment mechanisms and feedback systems to facilitate easier tube insertion and removal, and includes features like a scrape ring and seal rings for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the clamp ring is made resilient with a split to enable self-clamping, then the clamping force is improved, but the ring extremities extend into the tube trajectory causing increased insertion force and potential tube damage
Solution Approach 1:
The abutment means are made movable to dynamically adjust the clamp ring's position. The movable abutment allows the ring to be positioned favorably before insertion, reducing insertion force, while maintaining the resilient clamping function during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The abutment means enable preliminary positioning of the clamp ring's split away from the tube trajectory before insertion occurs. This preliminary action prevents the ring extremities from interfering with tube insertion, eliminating fretting damage while preserving the self-clamping mechanism
2Ease of operation
If the clamp ring is allowed to rotate freely to accommodate different tube positions, then the ease of connection is improved, but the position of the split becomes unpredictable causing insertion problems
Solution Approach 1:
Marking means provide visual feedback about the abutment means position and consequently the clamp ring split position. This feedback system allows users to understand the ring's orientation and make appropriate adjustments, combining ease of operation with position control
Solution Approach 2:
The abutment means act as an intermediary between the clamp ring and the tube insertion process. By controlling the ring's position through the abutment, the system mediates between the need for rotation flexibility and the need for precise split positioning during insertion
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the clamp ring extremities are positioned to avoid tube trajectory, then tube damage is reduced, but the coupler requires manual manoeuvring to achieve favourable position
Solution Approach 1:
The movable abutment means enable the clamp ring to be easily repositioned by the user when needed, providing self-service capability. The ring can be manually manoeuvred to favorable positions using the abutment mechanism, reducing tube damage while maintaining operational simplicity through intuitive adjustment
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 reduces the insertion force required and minimizes tube damage, while providing clear positioning cues and easy operation, ensuring the coupler can be reused with minimal effort.
Implementation Method 1
The or each movable protuberance may be translatable along an inner circumference of the socket end
Implementation Method 2
the abutment means may comprise a single, rotatably mounted protuberance with an eccentric outer circumference
Implementation Method 3
the contact areas of the clamp ring and the socket end facing each other are wedge shaped
Implementation Method 4
The clamp ring is made of a resilient material and in unloaded condition has an inner diameter which is somewhat smaller than the outer diameter of the tube
Implementation Method 5
the ring extremities will abut the inner wall of the socket end under influence of gravity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a coupler (1) for connecting a tube (2) in a tensile resistant manner. The coupler comprises a socket end (3) and, accommodated therein, a clamp ring (5) provided with a split (O). The surfaces of the socket end and the clamp ring that face each other are configured to cooperate in such way that the inner diameter of the clamp ring is decreased as the ring is moved in axial direction, out of the socket end. The coupler furthermore comprises abutment means (10), extending at least partially in the split of the clamp ring so that rotation of the clamp ring around a centre axis thereof is limited and the location of the split of the ring is more or less predefined.