Quick-Connect Sleeve With Radial Thread Engagement on Uneven Panels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick-connect devices for bathing equipment are prone to fixation failure due to loosening in the axial direction, especially when installed on uneven mounting panels.
Innovation Solution
A quick-connect device featuring a sleeve with an axial through hole and connecting sheets that can circumferentially rotate, driven by a driving structure to radially move toward the axial centerline of the connecting hole, ensuring secure connection without axial movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the elastic threaded body radially moves using bevel-to-bevel press fit in axial direction, then the installation speed is improved, but the axial clearance causes loosening of internal structure
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the movement of connecting sheets into two independent components: radial movement (for thread engagement) and axial positioning (for fixation stability). The connecting sheets can radially move toward the axial centerline independently of axial displacement, allowing quick installation while maintaining structural integrity through separate control of these movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from one-dimensional axial movement to two-dimensional movement by allowing connecting sheets to move radially toward the axial centerline while maintaining axial position. This dimensional change enables independent control of engagement (radial) and fixation (axial), resolving the contradiction between installation speed and fixation stability.
2Productivity
If multiple fasteners are used for quick assembly, then the installation efficiency is improved, but uneven mounting panel causes asynchronous engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting sheets are designed with asymmetric geometry relative to the axial centerline, allowing them to radially converge toward the center during rotation. This asymmetric design ensures that all connecting sheets engage the threaded pipe simultaneously even when mounted on an uneven panel, as their radial movement is guided toward a common center point rather than being constrained by axial alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention resolves the asynchronous engagement problem by moving the engagement action from the axial dimension to the radial dimension. Connecting sheets radially move toward the axial centerline during circumferential rotation, allowing all sheets to engage simultaneously regardless of axial position variations caused by uneven mounting panels.
3Device complexity
If axial movement is used for radial engagement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the connection reliability deteriorates due to axial clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the engagement dimension from axial to radial by allowing connecting sheets to move radially toward the axial centerline during circumferential rotation. This radial engagement mechanism maintains simple device structure while eliminating axial clearance issues, as the connecting sheets engage threads radially without requiring axial movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting sheets are designed to dynamically adjust their radial position toward the axial centerline during rotation, enabling automatic engagement with the threaded pipe. This dynamic radial adjustment provides reliable connection without complex axial movement mechanisms, maintaining simplicity while improving reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A quick-connect device includes a sleeve and a connecting piece. The sleeve has an axial through hole, and includes a body having an inner peripheral wall. The connecting piece includes at least two connecting sheets that are circumferentially rotatably disposed in the inner peripheral wall of the body relative to the body of the sleeve, enclose a connecting hole, and are provided with threads on sides close to an axial centerline of the connecting hole. A driving structure capable of driving each of the connecting sheets to radially move toward the axial centerline of the connecting hole when the connecting sheet circumferentially rotates relative to the sleeve is located between the connecting sheet and the inner peripheral wall of the body.