Pipe Fitting Loosening Prevention via Screw Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe fitting connection methods fail to reliably prevent loosening due to vibrations and impacts from fluid flow, as catch protrusions either hinder pipe insertion or fail to securely hold the fitting in place, and structural deformations compromise the stability of the connection.
Innovation Solution
A loosening prevention device comprising a semi-barrel casing with female threads and a locking member with a male thread, allowing screw engagement to securely fix the pipe fitting, with insert openings accommodating pipes and a rib for additional stability, preventing rotation and facilitating easy assembly and replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If catch protrusions are formed of a hard material, then the fitting can be securely held, but the pipes cannot be fitted into the mounting recesses
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting recess is divided into two functional zones: an upper insertion portion with a soft material layer that facilitates easy pipe insertion, and a lower holding portion with catch protrusions that provide secure retention. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different material properties are applied to different locations within the mounting recess. The upper insertion area uses a soft, compliant material to accommodate pipe entry, while the lower retention area uses harder catch protrusions for secure holding. This local differentiation of material quality resolves the contradiction between ease of insertion and secure retention.
2Reliability
If the slots are bent by external force, then the slots may not reliably hold the corners of the fitting member, but increasing slot rigidity may complicate the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The slot and the fitting member corner are merged into a single integrated component. The fitting member itself forms the slot structure, eliminating the need for separate slot elements. This merging simplifies the overall structure while maintaining reliability, as the fitting member's rigid corners inherently provide stable retention without requiring additional complex slot mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting member's own structural characteristics are utilized to provide the retention function. The rigid corners of the fitting member naturally resist deformation and maintain their shape under load, providing self-retention without requiring external slot structures. This self-service approach reduces device complexity while ensuring reliable retention.
3Ease of operation
If catch protrusions are formed of a soft material, then the pipes can be reliably introduced, but the pipes may be dislodged from the mounting recesses
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting recess is segmented into an upper insertion zone with soft material for easy pipe entry and a lower retention zone with rigid catch protrusions for secure holding. This segmentation allows the soft material to facilitate insertion while the rigid protrusions prevent dislodgement.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a single-material approach to a multi-material, multi-layered structure. The mounting recess incorporates both soft and hard materials in a vertical arrangement, adding a material property dimension to the design. This dimensional change allows simultaneous achievement of ease of insertion and secure retention.
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 effectively prevents the pipe fitting from loosening, reduces operational steps, allows for easy maintenance, and ensures the connection remains secure and leak-proof, enabling reliable extension of pipe structures.
Implementation Method 1
a locking member including a male thread part configured to be engaged with the female thread part of the casing and a head disposed on one end of the male thread part. The pipe fitting can be fixed through the screw engagement between the casing and the locking member.
Data Source
AI summary
A loosening-preventing device for pipe fitting. In the device, a casing includes a semispherical member equipped with an open surface, a female screw thread disposed at one end of the semispherical member, and a finishing member disposed at the other end of the semispherical member. A locking member has a male screw thread and a head at one end of the male screw thread, so as to connect to the female screw thread of the casing. The screw clamping of the casing and the locking member prevents the pipe fitting from rotating, thereby preventing the pipe fitting from being loosened.