Quick Lock Connector for Tube Alignment and Secure Fitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for joining tubes and conduits to junction boxes are prone to misalignment, over-tightening, and under-tightening, leading to potential damage, disconnection, and increased labor costs, with environmental concerns from zinc plating and high energy consumption in manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A quick-lock connector system featuring a tapered interior surface with ball bearings and a guiding ring that securely locks tubes in place by distributing the securing force evenly around the circumference, reducing stress on the tube and connecting elements, and utilizing a resilient element to assist in alignment and locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional compression fittings with threaded nuts are used to join tubes, then the tube can be secured to the fitting, but the worker may over-tighten or under-tighten the nut leading to thread stripping or loose connections
Solution Approach 1:
The quick lock system allows the tube itself to perform the locking action by engaging with the locking element when inserted, eliminating the need for manual tightening operations. The system is self-securing once the tube is inserted and locked into position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the threaded mechanical fastening system with a tapered locking mechanism that uses geometric interlocking and friction rather than threads and nuts, eliminating the complexity of threading operations and the risk of thread stripping.
2Reliability
If compression fittings require manual tightening of nuts and set-screws, then the tube can be secured, but the repetitive manual labor increases installation time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The quick lock fitting automatically secures the tube through a locking mechanism that engages when the tube is inserted, eliminating the need for manual tightening operations and significantly reducing installation time while maintaining secure connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is pre-positioned within the fitting body, ready to engage the tube immediately upon insertion. The alignment features are also pre-configured to guide the tube into the correct position before locking occurs.
3Reliability
If conventional fittings are used to join tubes and conduits, then connections can be made, but misalignment between fitting and tube occurs leading to scraping and loose connections
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting incorporates asymmetric alignment features including a tapered opening and corresponding tube end geometry that guides the tube into precise alignment with the locking element, preventing misalignment and scraping during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered opening and alignment features act as intermediary elements that guide and position the tube correctly before the locking mechanism engages, ensuring precise alignment without requiring high manufacturing precision in the final locking interface.
4Reliability
If compression fittings and set-screw fittings are used, then tubes can be secured, but excessive pressure from over-tightening can damage or pierce the tube
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism uses a tapered geometry that distributes the locking force along the length of the tube rather than concentrating it at a single point, changing the pressure distribution parameter to prevent tube damage while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking force is applied locally at the locking element-tube interface through controlled engagement, rather than through excessive global tightening forces, preventing damage to the tube while achieving secure connection.
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
The system ensures proper alignment and secure locking of tubes, reducing the risk of damage and disconnection, while minimizing environmental impact and manufacturing costs through efficient energy use and reduced material requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient element positioned within the connector body operative to be compressed by the action of inserting the tube into the connector body, the resilient element operating to force the locking element into position
Implementation Method 2
a locking element with a tapered exterior surface located within the connector body... distributing the securing force evenly around the circumference, reducing stress on the tube and connecting elements
Data Source
AI summary
A connecting system for quickly securing a hollow tube to a structure or to another hollow tube using a connector that has a housing with a tapered interior edge that operably engages a locking element positioned therein. When the tube is inserted into the locking element, the locking element holds and locks the tube in place in the connector. A guide ring may be provided within the connector to facilitate proper alignment of the tube within the connector and provide excellent electrical conductivity throughout the entire tube connecting system. One or more bearings may be provided as part of the locking element to facilitate initial tube insertion and then compression locking of the tube by the locking element. The connector can include a variety of structure engaging portions to allow the connector to be operably secured to a variety of structures such as electrical junction boxes, electrical conduits, tubes, armored cables, metal clad cables, flexible metal cables and the like.