Pipe Joint Indicator Ring Deformation for Connection Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe joints do not provide a reliable and easy method to confirm the connected state of tubes to a body, leading to potential misconnection and fluid leakage.
Innovation Solution
A pipe joint design featuring a confirmation ring with protrusions that deform and project outward when the tightening member connects the tube, allowing for visual and tactile confirmation of the secure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional tightening cap is used to connect the tube, then the tube can be connected to the body, but it is difficult to visually confirm the connected state
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator ring changes its visual appearance through deformation. When the tightening cap is tightened, the indicator ring deforms and the outer edge portion with protrusions projects outward, providing a visible and tactile indication that the tube is properly connected. This resolves the contradiction by making the connected state visually confirmable without complicating the tightening mechanism.
2Reliability
If the indicator ring is made with the same outer diameter as the tightening cap, then it is hidden and cannot be used for confirmation, but if made smaller it can be seen
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator ring is designed to dynamically change its radial profile during tightening. Initially, it has a smaller outer diameter than the tightening cap, making it visible. As the tightening cap is screwed on, the indicator ring deforms and its outer edge portion with protrusions projects outward, providing tactile and visual confirmation. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction between being visible and providing reliable confirmation.
3Reliability
If no indication mechanism is added, then the device remains simple, but the connected state cannot be reliably confirmed
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator ring serves dual purposes: it is part of the sealing/structural assembly between the tightening cap and body, and simultaneously provides the indication function. The protrusions on the indicator ring automatically project outward during the normal tightening process, providing self-indication without requiring separate indication mechanisms. This resolves the contradiction by making the confirmation function inherent to the existing structure.
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 easy and reliable confirmation of the connected state, preventing fluid leakage by ensuring secure tube connections through visible and touchable protrusions.
Implementation Method 1
the confirmation ring becomes deformed, such that the outer edge portion of the confirmation ring becomes exposed to the exterior with respect to the tightening member, and furthermore, the protrusion projects toward the outer side of the edge portion
Data Source
AI summary
In a joint mechanism as a pipe joint, an indicator ring is disposed between an end of a tightening cap and an outer wall portion of a body. The indicator ring is made up from a flat section that abuts against the body, an inclined section on an outer circumferential side of the flat section, and a protrusion formed on an outer edge portion of the inclined section. The protrusion is formed in parallel along an outer circumferential surface of the tightening cap. When the tube is connected, the inclined section is pressed by the end of the tightening cap, whereby the inclined section becomes substantially coplanar with the flat section. Concurrently, the protrusion projects toward an outer circumferential side of the inclined section.