Plug-in Connector with Segmented Elastic Clamping Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe connectors face issues with secure locking and reliable sealing due to complex designs, limited actuation force, and potential loosening under vibrations or shocks, often requiring precise screw tightening and additional components that can lead to misestimation of force required for complete sealing.
Innovation Solution
A connector design with a clamping ring featuring multiple axial clamping segments separated by slots, where the clamping ring is positioned behind the seal and reacts elastically radially, providing a prestressed clamping force independent of the seal, ensuring secure locking and sealing without relying on screw tightness or additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a union nut with conical positioning surfaces is used to secure the clamping ring, then the pipe end can be secured against pull-out, but the connection requires precise screw tightening and becomes a potential source of error
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping ring is designed to automatically clamp the pipe end through its elastic reaction when the pipe is inserted, without requiring manual screw tightening or additional securing operations. The system serves itself by converting the insertion action directly into the clamping force needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex screw connection system with conical positioning surfaces is replaced by a direct elastic mechanical reaction of the clamping ring. The screw-based mechanical fastening system is substituted with an elastic deformation-based clamping mechanism that activates automatically upon insertion.
2Force
If an adjusting body with elastically expandable element is used to move the clamping ring, then the clamping force can be applied during insertion, but the actuating force is limited and the structure becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The complex adjusting body with elastically expandable elements is removed from the design. Only the essential clamping ring with slots is retained, which achieves the clamping function through its own elastic reaction without requiring additional adjusting mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping ring is divided into segments separated by slots, allowing each segment to react elastically and independently. This segmentation enables the clamping ring to achieve the necessary flexibility and clamping force without requiring a complex adjusting body.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the clamping ring contact surface fulfills both carrying along during withdrawal and radial inward force application, then two functions are achieved, but loosening cannot be reliably ruled out under vibrations or shocks
Solution Approach 1:
The contact surface is divided into multiple clamping segments separated by slots. Each segment can react elastically and independently to vibrations or shocks, maintaining reliable clamping contact without loosening. The segmentation allows the contact surface to adapt to dynamic conditions while maintaining both functions.
4Ease of manufacture
If machining is performed inside and out followed by slot creation, then the clamping ring can be produced from brass or brass alloy, but the production process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The slots separating the clamping segments are created as preliminary features during the extrusion process itself, before the clamping ring undergoes further machining. This preliminary action integrates multiple operations into one process step, reducing overall production complexity and time.
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
This design simplifies handling and production, ensures reliable sealing and locking regardless of pipe damage, and reduces material usage, with the clamping segments providing greater restoring forces without the need for torsion or bending grooves, enhancing the connector's stability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
the clamping ring is positioned behind the seal and reacts elastically radially, providing a prestressed clamping force independent of the seal
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2a
AI summary
The connector (1) has a connector part (2) with a receiver (7) for receiving a tube end, and another connector part (3) attached to the former connector part with a through-passage (18) for inserting the tube end into the receiver of the former connector part. A clamping body is designed as the tube end of a locking ring (4) with clamping segments (K). The clamping segments project from a carrier ring (11) in an axial direction. Diameter of the locking ring in a region of clamping units is smaller than outside diameter of a tube to be attached to the connector.