Reinforcing Ring for Plastic Fitting Thread Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plastic fittings are prone to cross-threading and shearing due to over-tightening, particularly because prior reinforcing rings do not effectively guide the male part's thread axis and lack reinforcement of initial threads.
Innovation Solution
A reinforcing ring with a tubular portion, radial portion, guide portion, and a single starter thread that surrounds the plastic fitting, guiding the male part and reinforcing the initial threads to prevent cross-threading and shearing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a reinforcing ring is added to a 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 the starter thread for alignment and initial engagement, 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 reinforcing ring is nested within the plastic fitting, with the tubular portion surrounding the plastic body. This nesting approach provides reinforcement without requiring external attachments or complex assembly procedures, thereby reducing operational complexity despite the enhanced strength.
2Reliability
If a guide portion and starter thread are added to the reinforcing ring, then the likelihood of cross-threading is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide portion and starter thread perform preliminary actions by guiding the male part into proper alignment and establishing initial threaded engagement before the main threading process begins. This preliminary action ensures correct alignment is achieved before full threading occurs, preventing cross-threading issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide portion acts as an intermediary element between the male part and the plastic fitting's internal threads. It facilitates proper alignment and initial engagement, mediating the connection process to ensure accurate thread alignment before the main threading operation proceeds.
3Reliability
If the reinforcing ring uses only a single starter thread, then the risk of cross-threading is minimized, but the threading engagement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing ring applies local quality by concentrating reinforcement and guidance features at the critical initial engagement zone where cross-threading most commonly occurs. The single starter thread and guide portion are positioned precisely where needed to ensure accurate initial engagement, while the rest of the fitting maintains its standard design for efficient threading.
Data Source
AI summary
A reinforcing 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.