Pipe Joint Lock Structure for Preventing Unintended Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional joint devices experience malfunctions in the actuation portion due to unintended release of the lock mechanism, leading to improper connection or disconnection of fluid transport components.
Innovation Solution
A first joint design featuring an actuation portion that switches between facing and non-facing states with a mounting portion and intersecting direction facing portion to restrict movement, preventing unintended unlocking and enhancing stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the actuation portion is made freely movable to enable quick connection and disconnection, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to unintended lock release
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation portion restricting portion is pre-configured to engage with the actuation portion before any unintended movement can occur. This preliminary mechanical constraint prevents the actuation portion from moving in directions that would cause unintended lock release, while still allowing deliberate user actuation along the intended axis.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation portion restricting portion acts as an intermediary element between the actuation portion and the external environment. It mediates by selectively permitting movement along the intended actuation axis while blocking movement in other directions, thus protecting the lock mechanism from unintended activation without interfering with deliberate user operation.
2Reliability
If the actuation portion is constrained to prevent unintended movement, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to restricted actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The restricting portion is designed with pre-established engagement features that automatically interact with the actuation portion. This preliminary configuration ensures that the actuation portion is guided along the correct path of movement, maintaining ease of operation while preventing unintended movements that would compromise reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation portion restricting portion implements dynamic constraints that adapt to the actuation portion's movement. It provides resistance only in directions that would cause unintended lock release, while offering minimal resistance to movement along the intended actuation axis, thus maintaining ease of operation for legitimate user actions.
3Ease of manufacture
If the joint structure is simplified for ease of manufacture, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to insufficient actuation protection
Solution Approach 1:
The joint device is segmented into distinct functional components, with the actuation portion restricting portion as a separate element that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function using simple manufacturing processes, while the assembled structure provides the necessary reliability through the interaction of these components.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation portion restricting portion is designed to serve multiple functions within a single structural element: it guides the actuation portion's movement, prevents unintended lock release, and provides mechanical support. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed, maintaining ease of manufacture while ensuring reliability through the integrated design.
Data Source
AI summary
A first joint has a central axis and extends in an axial direction along the central axis. The first joint includes a first joint body, an axially facing portion, an actuation portion, and a mounting portion. The first joint body is coupled to the second joint along the central axis. The axially facing portion axially opposes a protruding portion protruding from an outer peripheral surface of the second joint, from a front end side in an axial direction of the first joint body. The actuation portion is connected to the axially facing portion and is actuatable along an axis intersecting direction intersecting the central axis. The mounting portion includes an actuation portion restricting portion restricting movement of the actuation portion in a state where the axially facing portion and the protruding portion oppose each other.