Dig Tube Fitting Geometry for Secure Clamp Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dig tube fittings for vacuum systems, such as hydrovac and flusher trucks, lack a secure and reliable connection mechanism that prevents damage to underground systems during excavation, necessitating a more robust and efficient fitting solution.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of new male and female fittings with an upset having an outer circumference groove and undercut design for the female fitting, and a radially extending flange with a radiused corner for the male fitting, providing a secure connection through a clamp mechanism, allowing for reliable attachment and detachment of dig tube parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing dig tube fittings are used, then the connection mechanism is simple, but the connection security is insufficient and may cause damage to underground systems
Solution Approach 1:
The male fitting is nested within the female fitting, with the male fitting's flange inserted into the female fitting's undercut region. The clamp is then positioned over the female fitting's groove, creating a nested multi-component connection structure that enhances security while maintaining manageable complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The radiused corner connecting the flange to the end part of the male fitting, and the curved groove in the female fitting, create complementary curved surfaces that facilitate proper alignment and secure engagement. The curved geometry ensures the fittings mate correctly and distribute forces evenly, improving connection reliability
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a secure connection mechanism is implemented, then the risk of damage to underground systems is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting is divided into separate male and female components, each with specific geometric features. The male fitting has a flange and radiused corner, while the female fitting has an undercut and groove. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard processes, then assembled to create the secure connection
Solution Approach 2:
Specific regions of the fittings are given specialized geometries to perform specific functions: the flange provides structural support, the radiused corner facilitates alignment, the undercut creates the engagement interface, and the groove positions the clamp. This local differentiation of qualities enables secure connection while using conventional manufacturing methods for each localized feature
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a robust fitting solution is used, then the durability of the connection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fittings are designed with pre-formed geometric features (flange, radiused corner, undercut, groove) that automatically guide proper alignment and engagement during assembly. The clamp is positioned in advance on the female fitting's groove, ensuring correct positioning before the male fitting is inserted, which enhances connection durability while simplifying the assembly process
Data Source
AI summary
A female fitting includes a tube having an end that includes an upset for receiving a male fitting, the upset having an outer circumference and an inwardly extending groove extending around the outer circumference for receiving a clamp or portion of a clamp and the upset having an end face and inner surface, the upset having an undercut between the end face and inner surface for receiving a flange of the male fitting. A male fitting includes a tube having an end part; and a transition between the tube and the end part, the transition including a flange extending radially outward from the tube and a radiused corner connecting the flange to the end part.