Reinforcing Ring with Guide Portion for Plastic Fitting Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Plastic fittings are prone to cross-threading and shearing due to over-tightening, especially when the thread axes are not aligned, and existing reinforcing rings do not effectively address these issues, particularly with the use of multiple threads.
Innovation Solution
A reinforcing ring with a single starter thread and a guide portion to align the male part, combined with a tubular and radial structure that surrounds the plastic fitting, reducing the likelihood of cross-threading and shearing by guiding the male part and reinforcing the initial threads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a reinforcing ring is added to the plastic fitting, then the strength and resistance to shearing is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing ring is segmented into distinct functional portions: a guide portion with a single starter thread for alignment, a radial portion for structural support, and a tubular portion for reinforcement. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall design manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide portion and single starter thread are positioned at the leading edge of the reinforcing ring to perform preliminary alignment and thread engagement before the main threaded portion engages. This preliminary action prevents cross-threading and ensures proper alignment before the full threading engagement occurs.
2Strength
If multiple threads are used in the reinforcing ring, then the reinforcement is improved, but the likelihood of cross-threading increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single starter thread is provided on the guide portion to perform the preliminary function of initiating proper thread engagement and alignment. This single starter thread guides the male thread onto the correct path before the multiple threads of the main body engage, thereby preventing cross-threading while still providing full reinforcement through the multiple threads.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide portion with the single starter thread acts as an intermediary element between the male thread and the multiple threads of the plastic fitting body. It mediates the engagement process by first establishing correct alignment and then transferring the engaged male thread to the main threaded portion for full reinforcement.
3Ease of operation
If the thread axis is not properly aligned, then the threading process is simpler, but cross-threading occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The guide portion with its specific geometry and single starter thread is designed to automatically guide and self-align the male thread during the insertion process. The tapered or shaped guide portion naturally directs the male thread onto the correct axis, and the single starter thread engages first to establish proper alignment, making the system self-aligning without requiring precise manual alignment by the operator.
Data Source
AI summary
A reinforcing ring and a plastic fitting incorporating such a reinforcing ring are disclosed. The reinforcing ring and plastic fitting have particular utility with respect to fire sprinkler heads in buildings. The reinforcing ring has a single starter thread which is integrally formed with a guide portion which guides a male part to be axially in line with the female fitting.