Rotatable Metal Water Tube Joint With Tool-Free Leak Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional metal water tube connections using threads are prone to water leakage due to washer fatigue and require precise machining, leading to high costs and tool-dependent assembly.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable connection assembly featuring a first pipe with a peripheral groove and a second pipe with internal orifices and bolts, allowing for secure sealing and rotation without the need for precise machining or hand tools, utilizing a waterproof gasket and grip sleeve for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional threaded connection with screw nuts and leakproof washers is used, then water tubes can be connected, but water leakage occurs due to washer fatigue and the connection requires precise machining which increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the threaded connection structure and leakproof washer from the system, replacing them with a friction-based press-fit connection. The first pipe is inserted into the second pipe without threads, eliminating the need for precise thread machining and the fatigue-prone washer component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the expensive precision-machined threaded connection with a simpler, less precise press-fit structure that uses a waterproof seal instead. This allows for easier manufacturing with lower precision requirements while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
2Strength
If screw nuts are locked by wrenches, then the connection is secured, but the screw nuts are deformed or damaged and hand tools are required for assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is designed to be self-securing through friction between the first and second pipes. The circumferential groove and protruding portion create a self-locking mechanism that does not require external wrenches or tools for assembly, yet maintains strong connection force.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise machining is performed on connection portions, then connection accuracy is improved, but machining cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the connection mechanism from thread-based to friction-based press-fit, which allows for larger tolerance ranges in manufacturing. This parameter change in the connection approach enables lower machining precision while maintaining effective sealing through the waterproof seal and friction fit.
Data Source
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AI summary
A rotatable connection assembly for metal water tubes contains: a first pipe (10), a second pipe (30a), and at least one bolt (40). The first pipe (10) includes a first connection segment (11) and a first fixing segment (12), the first connection segment (11) has a peripheral groove (111) and a surround shoulder (112), and the peripheral groove (111) accommodates a waterproof gasket (20). The second pipe (30a) includes a second connection segment (31) which has an internal fence (311) and at least one orifice (312) passing through the internal fence (311), the first connection segment (11) is inserted into the second connection segment (31), and the internal fence (311) abuts against the waterproof gasket (20) matingly. The at least one bolt (40) is inserted into the at least one orifice (312) respectively and is retained with the surround shoulder (112).