Radial Threaded Quick-Connect Sleeve for Uneven Panel Fixing
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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 with a sleeve and connecting sheets that rotate circumferentially, driven by a driving structure to radially move toward the axial centerline of the connecting hole, ensuring secure fixation without axial movement, even on uneven surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the elastic threaded body radially moves using bevel-to-bevel press fit in axial direction, then the nut component can be quickly assembled, but there will be clearance in axial direction when loosened, resulting in fixation failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the movement dimension of the connecting sheets from axial to radial. The connecting sheets move radially toward the axial centerline of the connecting hole when the sleeve rotates, eliminating axial clearance and preventing loosening while maintaining quick assembly capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic movement of the connecting sheets that are driven to radially move when the sleeve rotates. This dynamic radial movement ensures tight engagement with the threaded pipe during both assembly and loosening operations, eliminating the clearance problem of static axial press fit designs.
2Productivity
If two fasteners are used for quick installation, then assembly speed is improved, but uneven mounting panel causes asynchronous pushing, preventing proper threaded connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the connecting structure into multiple connecting sheets (at least two) that can independently move radially. Each connecting sheet is equipped with its own driving structure, allowing independent radial movement toward the axial centerline, ensuring that uneven mounting surfaces do not prevent proper engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from axial movement (prone to asynchrony on uneven surfaces) to radial movement of connecting sheets. The connecting sheets are driven to move radially toward the axial centerline of the connecting hole, a dimension less sensitive to mounting panel unevenness, ensuring reliable threaded connection regardless of surface uniformity.
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 device provides secure fixation without axial loosening, maintaining connection integrity even on uneven mounting panels, reducing the likelihood of internal structural failure.
Implementation Method 1
The connecting sheets are provided with threads on sides close to an axial centerline of the connecting hole, and a driving structure capable of driving each of the connecting sheet to radially move toward the axial centerline of the connecting hole when the connecting sheet circumferentially rotates relative to the sleeve
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure discloses a quick-connect device, including a sleeve (1) and a connecting piece (2). The sleeve (1) has an axial through hole (11), and includes a body (12) having an inner peripheral wall (121). The connecting piece (2) includes at least two connecting sheets (21) that are circumferentially rotatably disposed in the inner peripheral wall (121) of the body (12) relative to the body (12) of the sleeve (1), the connecting sheets (21) enclose a connecting hole (22), and are provided with threads on sides close to an axial centerline of the connecting hole (22). A driving structure capable of driving each of the connecting sheets (21) to radially move toward the axial centerline of the connecting hole (22) when the connecting sheet (21) circumferentially rotates relative to the sleeve (1) is located between the connecting sheet (21) and the inner peripheral wall (121) of the body (12). The quick-connect device can be applied to uneven mounting panels, and meanwhile, is less prone to fixation failure due to loosening in an axial direction.