Rotatable Pipe Connecting Assembly With Retaining Ring Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting assemblies for pipes do not allow for easy rotation of fittings after initial securing, limiting the ability to couple them at different longitudinal angles.
Innovation Solution
A connecting assembly featuring a tubular coupling portion with an abutment ring and an arcuate-shaped tubular body, combined with a retaining member, enables the fitting to be securely attached to a tubular wall while allowing for subsequent rotation and angular adjustment for coupling with another pipe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fitting is secured to a first pipe, then the fitting is firmly attached and stable, but the fitting cannot be readily rotated for coupling to another pipe at a different longitudinal angle
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: a securing mechanism (retaining member with finger portions) that provides firm attachment, and a rotating mechanism (arcuate-shaped tubular body with abutment ring) that enables angular adjustment. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction between stable attachment and rotation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from a static, fixed fitting to a dynamic assembly that allows movement. The arcuate-shaped tubular body can rotate relative to the first pipe within a defined angular range, and the retaining member can be released and re-engaged to lock at different angles. This dynamic capability enables both firm attachment and rotation for coupling at different angles.
2Reliability
If a fitting is designed for secure attachment to a pipe, then connection stability is improved, but adaptability to couple at different longitudinal angles is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting assembly incorporates dynamic elements that allow it to adapt to different angular positions while maintaining connection stability. The arcuate-shaped tubular body provides a defined arc of rotation, and the retaining member can be positioned at multiple discrete angular locations along this arc, enabling versatile coupling options without compromising stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes the angular parameter of the connection by allowing the fitting to be secured at multiple different angles. The arcuate shape defines a specific angular range, and the retaining member can be engaged at various positions within this range, effectively changing the connection angle parameter to adapt to different piping configurations while maintaining firm attachment at each position.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a retaining mechanism is added to allow rotation, then angular adjustability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining member serves multiple functions: it secures the arcuate-shaped tubular body to the first pipe, allows for angular adjustment by being releasable, and locks at different positions. The abutment ring also serves dual purposes by defining the rotation arc and providing a mechanical stop. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The design employs a nested structure where the arcuate-shaped tubular body is received through the central aperture of the ring-shaped portion of the retaining member, and the abutment ring is disposed on the tubular coupling portion. This nesting arrangement allows multiple functional elements to be compactly integrated, reducing overall complexity while maintaining angular adjustability.
Data Source
AI summary
A connecting assembly that can be coupled to a tubular wall is provided. The assembly includes a connecting fitting having a tubular coupling portion, an abutment ring, and an arcuate-shaped tubular body. The abutment ring is disposed around an outer surface of the tubular coupling portion a predetermined distance from a first end of the tubular coupling portion. An end of the tubular body is coupled to a second end of the tubular coupling portion. The assembly further includes a retaining member having a ring-shaped portion and first and second finger portions extending from the ring-shaped portion. The arcuate-shaped tubular body of the connecting fitting is received through a central aperture of the ring-shaped portion such that the ring-shaped portion is slidably disposed on the tubular body of the connecting fitting and is further slidably disposed against the abutment ring.