Sleeve Connector Structure for Fast Locking of Tubular Metal Posts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for joining tubular metal posts face challenges such as difficulty in centralization, reliance on welding or additional fixation elements, and dependency on internal or external geometry, making them unsuitable for fast connections in adverse conditions.
Innovation Solution
A sleeve connector with centralization regions at each end, two locking regions with locking protuberances, and an abutment region, allowing for mechanical deformation-based locking without the need for welding or additional fixation elements, facilitating centralization and fast connection regardless of post geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welding or additional fixation elements are used to join tubular posts, then connection strength is improved, but construction time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into distinct functional regions: centralization regions at each end for alignment, locking regions with locking protuberances for mechanical interlocking, and an abutment region for bearing loads. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function efficiently without requiring welding or additional fixation elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralization regions are designed with conical surfaces that automatically align the tubular posts during insertion, performing the centralization action preliminarily before the locking mechanism engages. This eliminates the need for separate alignment operations or additional fixation elements.
2Manufacturing precision
If centralization mechanisms are added to align tubular posts, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The centralization regions are designed with conical surfaces that provide automatic alignment through geometric self-centering. This local geometric feature achieves high alignment precision without adding complex adjustment mechanisms or multiple fixation elements to the connector.
3Adaptability or versatility
If locking mechanisms are designed for posts of different diameters, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking regions are designed with locking protuberances that can engage with tubular posts of different diameters through a universal mechanical interlocking principle. The conical centralization regions accommodate various diameters while the locking protuberances provide consistent locking action, achieving adaptability without excessive manufacturing precision requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The sleeve connector effectively centralizes and locks tubular metal posts, enabling fast and reliable connections in various conditions, including those with different diameters and in challenging environments like building sites with difficult access and unfavorable weather.
Implementation Method 1
an interference is established between each tubular element and the locking region elements in order to obtain the locking of the tubular elements by means of the mechanical deformation of the locking region elements
Data Source
AI summary
The present utility model relates to a sleeve connector (100) for joining tubular metal posts (300), comprising locking regions (120) provided with a ring of locking protuberances (121) of height (ht), which corresponds to from 0.15 to 4% of the external diameter (D) of the locking region (120) in order to promote the locking together of the ends of the tubular metal posts (300) by means of the mechanical deformation of the locking protuberances (121).