Coupling Apparatus Segmentation for Cost and Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coupling apparatuses face issues with high processing costs due to integral formation of fitting projections and engaging hooks, which are prone to damage, and require replacement when damaged, especially as the diameter of the coupling body increases.
Innovation Solution
The coupling apparatus features a separable design where the coupling body and fitting projections are formed independently, with a fixing structure that allows detachable attachment of fitting projections to the coupling body, and an elastic member to increase friction, enabling cost-effective manufacturing and easy replacement of damaged parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the coupling body and fitting projections are formed integrally, then the structural strength is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases and damaged parts cannot be replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling apparatus is divided into separate components: the coupling body and the fitting projections are formed independently and then assembled together using a fixing structure. This segmentation allows the fitting projections to be replaced when damaged without replacing the entire coupling body, reducing manufacturing costs and material waste while maintaining structural integrity through proper assembly design.
2Reliability
If the coupling body and fitting projections are formed integrally, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of repair worsens when damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the fitting projections from the coupling body through independent formation and assembly via a fixing structure, the design enables selective replacement of damaged fitting projections. This maintains connection reliability through proper assembly while significantly improving ease of repair, as only the damaged components need to be replaced rather than the entire coupling apparatus.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the diameter of the coupling body increases, then the connectivity capability is improved, but the processing cost increases due to integral formation
Solution Approach 1:
The separation of the coupling body and fitting projections into independently formed components allows for more efficient manufacturing processes. The coupling body can be produced with the required large diameter and structural features, while the fitting projections can be manufactured separately using optimized processes appropriate for their specific geometry, thereby reducing overall processing costs while maintaining the necessary connectivity capability for larger diameter applications.
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
This design reduces manufacturing costs, allows for easy replacement of damaged components, and maintains connectivity without the need for full apparatus replacement, while maintaining strong engagement and friction between components.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic body which is provided at the end surface of the distal end part of the coupling body of each of the coupling apparatuses and which functions to move the coupling apparatuses away from each other in the axial directions thereof when the coupling apparatuses are coupled with each other to increase friction applied to the engaging hooks
Implementation Method 2
The fixing structure has an inward tapering surface which fits the outward tapering surfaces of the plural fitting projections to fix the plural fitting projections coaxially on the predetermined positions of the outer periphery of the distal end part of the coupling body
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A coupling apparatus (40, 50) comprising an annular coupling body (14) and plural fitting projections (16), each fitting projection having an engaging hook (18), two (40, 40 or 50, 50) of the coupling apparatuses approaching coaxially to each other to fit the fitting projections (16) of one coupling apparatus into fitting recesses between the fitting projections (16) of the other coupling apparatus, a fixing structure (42) having an inward tapering surface (42a) which fits the outward tapering surfaces (16d) of the plural fitting projections (16) to fix the plural fitting projections (16) coaxially on the predetermined positions of the outer periphery of the coupling body (14), the fixing structure (42) having a cutout (42c) allowing at least one fitting projection (16) to be approached to or separated from the position of the coupling body (14).