Segmented Coupling for Rapid Expander Head Exchange
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing expander devices require complex and time-consuming assembly of expander heads with screw threads, leading to high idle time and physical strain during frequent changes, especially when working with pipes and hoses of different materials and diameters.
Innovation Solution
A coupling system comprising a first coupling part with radially outwardly projecting circumferential portions and a second coupling part that engages with these portions to provide a positive fit connection, allowing for rapid and effortless exchange of expander heads without the need for screwing, thereby simplifying the attachment and detachment process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screw couplings are used to connect expander heads to driving devices, then reliable connection is achieved, but assembly time increases and physical strain occurs during frequent changes
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling connection is segmented into two distinct parts: a first coupling part integrated into the driving device with radially outwardly projecting circumferential portions, and a second coupling part integrated into the expander head with corresponding counter-portions. This segmentation allows for rapid engagement without threading operations while maintaining connection reliability through the positive fit of the interlocking geometric features.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using traditional screw threads that require rotational tightening, the invention inverts the connection mechanism by using radially outwardly projecting circumferential portions that engage with counter-portions through axial movement only. This inversion eliminates the need for threading operations while maintaining secure connection.
2Reliability
If screw couplings are used to connect expander heads to driving devices, then reliable connection is achieved, but physical strain occurs during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the conventional screw tightening mechanism with an inverted approach using radially outwardly projecting circumferential portions that engage through simple axial movement. This eliminates the need for rotational force and threading operations, significantly reducing physical strain while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling parts are designed to self-align and self-lock through their geometric features. The radially outwardly projecting circumferential portions automatically engage with the counter-portions when brought into axial alignment, eliminating the need for manual threading operations and reducing physical effort required for assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If expander heads are frequently changed for different pipes and hoses, then adaptability is improved, but assembly time and physical effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is segmented into separable first and second coupling parts that can be independently attached to the driving device and expander head respectively. This segmentation enables rapid attachment and detachment of expander heads without threading operations, facilitating frequent changes for different pipe and hose applications while reducing assembly time.
Solution Approach 2:
The first coupling part with radially outwardly projecting circumferential portions is designed as a universal interface that can engage with various second coupling parts on different expander heads. This universal design enables frequent interchangeability of expander heads for different pipe and hose applications without requiring different coupling mechanisms.
4Adaptability or versatility
If expander heads are frequently changed for different pipes and hoses, then adaptability is improved, but physical strain occurs during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the conventional screw tightening mechanism with an inverted approach using radially outwardly projecting circumferential portions that engage through simple axial movement. This eliminates the need for rotational force and threading operations, significantly reducing physical strain during frequent expander head changes while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling parts are designed to self-align and self-lock through their geometric features. The radially outwardly projecting circumferential portions automatically engage with the counter-portions when brought into axial alignment, eliminating the need for manual threading operations and reducing physical effort required for frequent expander head changes.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling for connecting a driving device to an expander head configured to expand pipes and hoses and to be actuated via an expanding mandrel driven by the driving device includes a first coupling part associated with the driving device and a second coupling part associated with the expander head. The first coupling part includes a through-hole that acts as a passage for the expanding mandrel and radially outwardly projecting circumferential portions disposed at a circumference, a rear face of the circumferential portions including at least one contact face. When connected, the coupling parts are disposed along an axis along which the expanding mandrel is movable for the actuation of the expander head. The second coupling part includes at least one counter-portion configured to act on a respective one of the at least one contact face of the circumferential portions.