Elastic Tab Nut Prevents Piping Coupler Unscrewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting devices for piping end-couplers are complex, costly, and prone to dysfunction due to the use of multiple components and delicate assembly, with inefficient locking mechanisms that can lead to jamming and unscrewing issues, especially under vibration or shaking conditions.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device with a nut and end-couplers featuring elastic tabs formed from the tubular body material, which radially penetrate recesses on the opposing element to prevent unscrewing, providing robust locking with reduced radial bulk and eliminating the need for additional components, allowing for multiple locking interactions and improved assembly simplicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple components (balls, movable pistons) are used for anti-rotation means, then locking functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases and assembly becomes long and delicate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the anti-rotation locking functionality into a single integrated elastic tab element that is formed directly in the material of the tubular body. The tab includes a protrusion that radially penetrates recesses on the opposing element, combining what were previously separate components (balls, pistons, springs) into one monolithic structure, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining locking reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic tab is formed directly in the material of the tubular body through which it elastically flexes to engage and disengage from the recesses. This self-contained design eliminates the need for separate housing, mounting, or actuation mechanisms, allowing the tab to perform the locking function using only its inherent elastic properties and the applied torque
2Reliability
If multiple components and delicate assembly are used, then locking mechanism is provided, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By forming the elastic tab directly in the material of the tubular body rather than manufacturing it as a separate component, the invention eliminates multiple manufacturing steps (cutting, shaping, assembling) and reduces material waste. This integration significantly lowers manufacturing cost while maintaining the locking mechanism's reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The tab's elastic functionality is achieved through the material properties and geometry of the tubular body itself, eliminating the need for separate springs or elastic elements that would require additional manufacturing processes and quality control steps, thereby reducing overall manufacturing cost
3Reliability
If spring with corrugations is used for anti-rotation, then locking is provided, but groove must be deep which weakens the nut
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic tab is formed directly in the material of the tubular body, merging the locking element with the structural component. This eliminates the need for a separate deep groove in the nut, as the tab engages recesses on the opposing element rather than requiring a housing groove, thereby maintaining the structural strength of the tubular body while providing reliable locking
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the locking function from a separate spring component that would require a deep groove, and instead implements it through an elastic tab formed in the tubular body material. This approach provides locking functionality without compromising the structural integrity or requiring weakening grooves in the nut
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 achieves robust and reliable anti-rotation functionality with enhanced locking efficiency and reduced material thickness, while simplifying assembly and reducing the risk of jamming, effectively preventing unscrewing under torque thresholds.
Implementation Method 1
one of the end-couplers and the nut are two mutual blocking elements comprising anti-rotation means including a protrusion belonging to one of the blocking elements and able to radially elastically penetrate at least one recess of the other blocking element
Data Source
AI summary
The device connects a first end-coupler with a second end-coupler, in particular of a piping. A nut is provided with a threaded bore in which the first end-coupler is screwed along a longitudinal axis. In a tightening position, the first end-coupler is in axial stress with a second end-coupler accommodated in the nut. Anti-rotation means are provided between the nut and at least one of the end-couplers to prevent relative rotation except when a torque exceeding a predetermined threshold is applied thereto. The anti-rotation means consist of at least one tab made in the material of the nut to lockingly interfere with substantially planar faces formed on the second end-coupler.