Elastic Coupling Member for Vibration-Resistant Pressure Tube Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling systems for connecting pressure tubes to valve bodies in pneumatic and pressurized systems are prone to leakage, require significant effort and time for assembly, are not fail-safe, and can be tampered with, as they rely on screw connections that may disconnect under vibrations and lack effective tamper-proof mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A coupling system featuring a coupling member with an outer retainer ring and inner support sleeve, where the retainer ring's engaging elements compress radially to secure the pressure tube, preventing easy disconnection and requiring a special tool for removal, ensuring a secure, tamper-proof, and vibration-resistant connection without screws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screw fitting system is used to fix the coupling member, then the connection can be established, but it requires significant effort and time for assembly and may disconnect under vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the screw fitting system with an elastic engaging portion that uses radial compression and elastic deformation to secure the coupling member. The engaging portion compresses radially inward behind a circumferential ridge and uses radially inward teeth to bite the pressure tube, eliminating the need for threading and screw operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameter from threaded rotational connection to elastic radial compression. The engaging portion is designed to elastically compress in the radial direction, creating a secure connection through elastic deformation rather than mechanical threading, which significantly reduces assembly time and improves reliability.
2Reliability
If a screw fitting system is used to fix the coupling member, then the connection can be established, but the pressure tightness depends on torque and there is danger of handling errors
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic engaging portion automatically secures itself by elastically compressing behind the circumferential ridge and using its own elastic recovery force to maintain pressure tightness. The system is self-securing through the elastic deformation of the engaging portion, eliminating the need for torque control and reducing handling errors.
3Reliability
If the engaging portion is designed to secure the pressure tube, then vibration resistance is improved, but the coupling becomes difficult to detach and may require special tools
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging portion is designed with dynamic characteristics - it can be easily inserted when compressed radially inward, but once positioned behind the circumferential ridge, it locks securely through elastic recovery. The radially inward teeth provide one-way engagement that resists vibration-induced loosening while allowing controlled insertion.
4Reliability
If additional securing means are added to prevent tampering, then temper proofness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for additional securing means by integrating the tamper-proof functionality into the basic engaging portion design. The elastic compression mechanism and circumferential ridge engagement provide inherent security against unauthorized manipulation without requiring separate locking devices or complex securing systems.
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 system provides a fast, reliable, and tamper-proof connection that is resistant to vibrations, eliminating the need for screw connections and ensuring secure sealing without the risk of unauthorized disconnection.
Implementation Method 1
Engaging portion elastically compresses in a radial inward direction behind a circumferential ridge of the bore
Implementation Method 2
an inner support sleeve insertable in the bore before the pressure tube and, in use, radially internal to the latter so that, in case of pulling, engaging portion is stopped by the ridge and cannot radially inwardly flex because of the sleeve
Implementation Method 3
has radially inward teeth to bite the pressure tube
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention refers to a coupling system (50) for connecting a pressure tube (52) to a valve body (10). It comprises a coupling member (54) at one end of the pressure tube and an opening in the valve body for receiving a coupling member. The coupling member comprises an outer retainer ring (68) into which the pressure tube is inserted and an engaging portion (70) at the retainer ring facing the end of the pressure tube. An inner support sleeve (80) is inserted into the end of the pressure tube and extends axially at least up to the engaging portion. The engaging portion comprises engaging elements (72) that are elastically compressible in a radial inward direction and provided to engage behind a circumferential ridge (62) protruding from the wall of the opening in the received position of the coupling member.