Rotating Tubular Connector With Half-Shell Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection devices for 3-dimensional tubular structures either fix the orientation of tubular elements, limiting shape variability, or require complex structures and tools for assembly, and often have a large center distance between elements, which is undesirable for certain applications.
Innovation Solution
A connection device comprising a first body with a receiving housing and connection member, and a second body formed of two half-shells with a circular face, allowing rotational movement along a transverse axis, and featuring annular grooves and ribs for assembly, guide means for positioning, and fixing means for secure attachment without requiring significant assembly efforts or tools, while minimizing the center distance between tubular elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a two-part assembly nut connecting device is used, then the center-to-center distance between tubular elements is reduced, but the orientation of tubular elements cannot be changed
Solution Approach 1:
The second body is divided into two half-shells that can rotate relative to each other, allowing the connecting device to accommodate different orientations of tubular elements while maintaining a compact center-to-center distance. The segmentation of the second body enables rotational movement without increasing the overall size of the connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting device transitions from a static two-part assembly nut to a dynamic structure where the two half-shells can rotate relative to each other. This dynamic capability allows the device to adapt to various orientations of tubular elements while maintaining reduced center-to-center distance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complex rotating connecting device is used, then tubular elements can rotate relative to each other, but the device structure becomes complex and requires tools for assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The second body is segmented into two half-shells that simplify the rotational mechanism. Instead of a complex rotating joint, the half-shells can be easily assembled and rotated relative to each other, reducing structural complexity while maintaining rotational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex mechanism to achieve rotation, the invention inverts the approach by using simple half-shells that naturally allow rotational movement through their geometry and arrangement, eliminating the need for complex assembly tools.
3Device complexity
If a simple rotating connection device is used, then assembly is simplified, but the center-to-center distance between tubular elements becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The two half-shells are designed to merge together to form the second body, which integrates the rotational capability within a compact structure. This merging allows the device to maintain reduced center-to-center distance while preserving assembly simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational movement is achieved through relative rotation of the two half-shells about a transverse axis, utilizing a different dimensional approach that maintains compactness. This dimensional change allows rotation without increasing the center-to-center distance.
4Device complexity
If fixed orientation connecting device is used, then structure is simple, but shape variability of tubular structures is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device incorporates dynamic rotational capability through the two half-shells that can rotate relative to each other. This dynamic feature allows the device to maintain structural simplicity while enabling shape variability in the assembled tubular structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows changes in the orientation parameter of connected tubular elements through rotational movement of the half-shells. This parameter change capability enables shape variability while maintaining the simplicity of the connecting device structure.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (1) for connecting tubular elements, comprising a first body (2) provided with a first reception housing for accommodating a longitudinal portion of a first tubular element (3a) and provided with a first connection component; a second body (4) provided with a second reception housing for accommodating a longitudinal portion of a second tubular element (3b) and provided with a second connection component, the second body (4) being formed by two half-shells (43) each comprising a portion of the second housing and a portion of the second connection component; the first and the second connection component being configured in order to keep the first (2) and the second (4) bodies assembled, while allowing a rotation movement between them along a transverse axis (A). The first body (2) and the second body (4) respectively have a first and a second face with a circular profile, the first and the second connection component respectively being disposed on the periphery of the first and of the second face with a circular profile.