Fire Extinguisher Coupler Crimp Lock for Siphon Tube Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connections between siphon tubes and valves in fire extinguishers are complex and costly, often relying on threading, soldering, or gluing, and can fail due to dimensional variances, leading to potential detachment and inoperability of the fire extinguisher.
Innovation Solution
A coupler with a foldable section and press fit section is used to securely connect the siphon tube to the valve, eliminating the need for additional pressure seals, threading, soldering, or gluing, by engaging a circumferential groove and external surface, respectively, with the foldable section crimped into a folded position for enhanced reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If threading, soldering, or gluing is used to connect the siphon tube to the valve, then the connection strength is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is divided into distinct functional sections: a barbed section for inserting into the siphon tube, a press fit section for securing the tube, and a foldable section for crimping over the circumferential groove. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function efficiently without requiring complex threading, soldering, or gluing processes, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining connection strength
Solution Approach 2:
The foldable section of the coupler is designed to be deformable, transitioning from an unfolded state during assembly to a crimped-over state during securing. This dynamic characteristic enables the coupler to adapt its shape to engage with the circumferential groove on the siphon tube, providing a reliable mechanical lock without requiring additional fasteners or complex assembly procedures
2Device complexity
If press fit connection is used to connect the siphon tube to the coupler, then the manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the connection reliability deteriorates due to dimensional variances
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler incorporates a barbed section with outwardly extending barbs that create localized engagement points within the siphon tube. This local quality enhancement at the insertion point provides mechanical interlocking that compensates for dimensional variances, preventing the tube from detaching while maintaining a simple press-fit overall connection structure
Solution Approach 2:
The siphon tube is pre-formed with a circumferential groove at the appropriate location before assembly. This preliminary action ensures that when the coupler is assembled, the foldable section has a predetermined engagement point to crimp over, eliminating the need for field adjustments and ensuring reliable connection despite dimensional variations in the pressing process
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 provides a simpler, more reliable connection that prevents detachment and maintains operational integrity of the fire extinguisher, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs while ensuring effective passage of the fire extinguishing agent.
Implementation Method 1
the foldable section is configured to receive a proximal end of the siphon tube in the unfolded position and to secure to the circumferential groove in the folded position
Data Source
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AI summary
A coupler (100) for connecting to a tube (220) comprising a circumferential groove (221), the coupler comprising: a body (110) comprising a radially outward facing surface (111), a radially inward facing surface (112), a proximal end (113), and a distal end (114); and a foldable section (120) disposed at the proximal end, the foldable section comprising an unfolded position defining an unfolded internal diameter (DUF ) and a folded position defining a folded internal diameter (DF ), the foldable section configured to receive a proximal end of the tube in the unfolded position and to secure to the circumferential groove in the folded position.