Plug Loosening Prevention Device with Flat Surface Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional loosening prevention devices for plugs on resin tanks, such as those used in semiconductor manufacturing, are ineffective in securely holding plugs due to small contact surfaces, leading to potential rotation and separation during gas supply and liquid discharge operations.
Innovation Solution
A loosening prevention device comprising sleeves that engage with and surround the plugs, featuring extended flat surfaces for increased contact area and snap-fitting mechanisms to prevent rotation, along with key and keyway configurations to prevent incorrect socket connections and liquid accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a rotation prevention member is fastened with a single screw to prevent plug rotation, then the structure is simple, but the holding force is insufficient and plugs are likely to loosen
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation prevention member is divided into multiple independent screws instead of a single screw, distributing the holding force across multiple contact points and increasing overall reliability without significantly increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation prevention member combines multiple functions: it prevents rotation through flat surface contact, secures plugs with multiple screws, and includes liquid discharge holes to prevent liquid accumulation that could cause loosening
2Ease of manufacture
If flat surfaces for rotation prevention are made small to reduce material usage, then manufacturing is easier, but the contact area is insufficient and plugs can rotate
Solution Approach 1:
Flat surfaces are strategically positioned at specific locations on the plug circumferential surfaces to provide adequate contact area for rotation prevention, optimizing both manufacturing ease and functional effectiveness
3Ease of operation
If sockets are allowed to swing during disconnection for ease of operation, then operator convenience is improved, but the screw loosens and plugs become loose
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation prevention member with multiple screws and flat surfaces is installed in advance to counteract the loosening force generated during socket swinging operations, maintaining plug security while allowing operational convenience
4Adaptability or versatility
If liquid accumulates in the socket connection area, then the device can handle complex liquid flow, but the accumulated liquid causes plug loosening
Solution Approach 1:
Liquid discharge holes are provided in the rotation prevention member to extract and remove accumulated liquid from the socket connection area, preventing liquid-induced loosening while maintaining the ability to handle complex liquid flows
Data Source
AI summary
A loosening prevention device (1) for a plug includes: a first sleeve (11) engaged with and surrounding a first plug (70) attached to a lid of a liquid tank (60); a second sleeve (21) engaged with and surrounding a second plug (80) attached to the lid; and a connection means (24) for connecting and fixing the first sleeve and the second sleeve with each other. At least one flat surface (75, 85) is formed on an outer circumferential surface (74, 84) of both or either one of the first plug and the second plug, and at least one flat surface (12, 22) in surface contact with the flat surface of both or either one of the first plug and the second plug is formed on an inner circumferential surface of both or either one of the first sleeve and the second sleeve. With this arrangement, a plug for supplying pressurized-gas and a plug for discharging liquid can be firmly held.