Hydraulic Pipe Connector with Helical Sleeve Anti-Disengagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick attachment connectors for hydraulic pipes with diameters less than 10 millimeters are difficult to manually engage and disengage, and often require disassembly of appliances or devices to access, with a risk of accidental disengagement under pressure, compromising the integrity of hydraulic circuits.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a tubular sleeve that can be screwably inserted into an end insert using a fastening tool, with a clamping element and annular sealing element, allowing for parallel displacement and secure retention of pipes, preventing accidental disengagement through precise alignment and snap coupling mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If quick attachment connectors are used for hydraulic pipes with diameter less than 10 millimeters, then assembly speed is improved, but manual engagement and disengagement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A tool-operated rotation mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the user and the connector. The tool engages with the tubular sleeve and converts rotational motion into linear displacement, enabling precise control of small-diameter pipes during connection and disconnection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism transitions from direct linear pressing to rotational motion. By converting the one-dimensional linear engagement problem into a two-dimensional rotational-displacement combination, the system enables easier operation while maintaining secure connection for small-diameter pipes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pipes are incorporated in household electrical appliances, then system integration is improved, but accessibility of connection portions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separable components: a tubular casing that remains integrated with the appliance, and a tubular sleeve that can be independently manipulated with a tool. This segmentation allows the connection portion to be accessed and operated externally without disassembling appliance parts.
3Ease of operation
If conventional quick attachment connectors are used, then assembly simplicity is improved, but risk of accidental disengagement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The helical trajectory mechanism creates preliminary resistance to disengagement. The tubular sleeve must follow a specific rotational path to disengage, which prevents accidental separation caused by unexpected forces or pressures, as random movements cannot overcome the guided helical engagement path.
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
Enables simple and quick connection and disconnection of fluid transport pipes, even with small diameters, without disassembling appliances, ensuring secure engagement and preventing accidental disengagement, thus enhancing the reliability and accessibility of hydraulic connections.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one internal seat is shaped to house a respective pin of the tubular sleeve and to guide said pin along a segment of a helical trajectory, which develops around the main axis
Implementation Method 2
a clamping element, which is housed within the tubular casing and is configured to retain the respective transport pipe
Implementation Method 3
an end insert, which can be snap coupled to one end of the tubular casing
Data Source
AI summary
A connector for connecting pipes for transporting fluids has a tubular casing, which extends around a main axis; an end insert, which can be snap coupled to one end of the tubular casing; a tubular sleeve, which is configured to be fitted around a respective fluid transport pipe and to cooperate with the end insert such that a relative rotation around the main axis of the tubular sleeve within the end insert results in a relative displacement of the tubular sleeve with respect to the end insert in a direction substantially parallel to the main axis; and a clamping element, which is housed within the tubular casing and is configured to retain the respective transport pipe.