Coupling Pressure Element with Interlocking Segments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coupling devices face a trade-off between the angle of inclination of contacting surfaces and the ability to maintain sealing effectiveness under heavy tension strains, where a small angle improves sealing but increases the risk of the first pressure element segment slipping away from the second segment, leading to loss of coupling.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a transverse projection on the first pressure element segment that extends into a slit in the neighboring second pressure element segment limits longitudinal movement, allowing for a small angle of inclination without compromising functionality under heavy tension strains.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a small angle of inclination of contacting surfaces is used, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the risk of the first pressure element segment slipping away from the second segment increases under heavy tension strains

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidcoupling integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure element is divided into two separate segments (first and second pressure element segments) that can move independently. This segmentation allows each segment to be optimized for different functions: the first segment for sealing with a small inclination angle, and the second segment for providing clamping force with a larger inclination angle, thereby resolving the contradiction between sealing effectiveness and coupling integrity under tension strain

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a new dimension to the design by adding a stop mechanism that constrains the relative movement between segments in the longitudinal direction. This dimensional constraint allows the first segment to maintain a small inclination angle for effective sealing while preventing it from slipping away from the second segment under heavy tension loads

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

2Force

If the first pressure element segment is allowed to move freely under tension strain, then it can exert increased clamping force on the tube, but it may contract the tube and slip away from the second pressure element segment causing loss of coupling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping force on tubeVSAvoidpositioning of pressure element segments
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The stop mechanism is pre-configured to limit the longitudinal movement of the first pressure element segment before it can slip away from the second segment. This preliminary constraint ensures that while the first segment can move enough to exert increased clamping force on the tube under tension strain, it cannot move beyond the point where coupling would be lost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

By adding the stop mechanism that constrains movement in the longitudinal dimension, the invention allows the first segment to exert increased clamping force through controlled movement while preventing excessive movement that would cause loss of coupling, thus resolving the contradiction between force application and positioning stability

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

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 configuration enhances sealing effectiveness by maintaining the coupling integrity even under heavy tension strains, preventing the first pressure element segment from slipping away from the second segment.

Implementation Method 1

the first pressure element segment is provided with a projection extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the tube, and that said projection extends into a slit that is provided in a second pressure element segment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical constraint: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

the at least one pressure element is provided with contact surfaces with an incline which is designed such that during tension strain between the coupling and the tube, the first pressure element segment is caused to clamp the tube more tightly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP2929225B1Pressure element for a coupling device for a tube
Publication Date: 2019.07.03 GEORG FISCHER WAGA
  • EP2929225B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2929225B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2929225B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a coupling device for coupling with a tube (10), comprising at least one pressure element (3) for exerting a clamping force on the tube (10), wherein the said, at least one pressure element (3) is one of a series of correspondingly embodied neighboring pressure elements, wherein each pressure element of said series comprises a first pressure element segment (5) and a second pressure element segment (4), and wherein the first pressure element segment (5) is placed proximally and the second pressure element segment (4) distally with respect to the tube (10), and that of each pressure element (3) the first pressure element segment (5) is provided with a protrusion extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the tube (10), and that said protrusion extends into a slit that is provided in a directly neighboring second pressure element segment (4) that forms part of a neighboring pressure element.