Sliding Coupling Ring for Tubular Member Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection assemblies for tubular members, particularly those using a threaded ring nut, are difficult to use and replace when the tubular member is long due to the need for the connection sleeve to be inserted from the opposite end, limiting their practicality and usability.
Innovation Solution
An assembly comprising a tubular member, a connection sleeve, and an intermediate coupling ring that can slide along the tubular member's coupling portion, allowing the coupling ring to deform and lock the connection sleeve in place, enabling easy insertion and locking without requiring insertion from the opposite end, utilizing an elastically deformable coupling ring with separate ends and teeth for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the connection sleeve is inserted from the opposite end to the abutment, then the connection can be made, but the assembly becomes difficult to use and replace when the tubular member is relatively long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate coupling ring as a mediator between the connection sleeve and the tubular member. This coupling ring features a conical inner surface that interfaces with a conical outer surface on the tubular member, enabling the connection sleeve to be installed from the end rather than requiring insertion from the opposite end. The coupling ring acts as a transition element that makes the connection process much easier while maintaining reliable connection.
2Reliability
If the connection sleeve is inserted from the opposite end, then the connection is made, but the minimum diameter of the connection sleeve must be smaller than the abutment diameter, limiting design flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling ring serves as an intermediary that decouples the dimensional constraints between the connection sleeve and the abutment. By introducing this intermediate element with its own conical surfaces, the design allows the connection sleeve to have a minimum diameter greater than the maximum diameter of the tubular member without compromising connection reliability, thus providing greater design flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into three distinct components: the tubular member, the coupling ring, and the connection sleeve. This segmentation allows each component to be independently designed with optimal dimensions, enabling the connection sleeve to have a larger minimum diameter while the coupling ring bridges the dimensional gap between the tubular member and the sleeve.
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
Facilitates easy and secure connection of tubular members by allowing the connection sleeve to be inserted directly from the end, enhancing usability and simplifying the assembly process, especially for longer tubular members.
Implementation Method 1
the variable diameter of the coupling portion deforms the ring (4) in a locking configuration, wherein the sleeve (3) is locked to the tubular member (2)
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for the connection of tubular members is provided with a connection sleeve which is suited to connect one to the other a first tubular member and a second tubular member, and an intermediate coupling ring mounted to slide along at least an intermediate coupling portion of the first tubular member; the coupling portion having a diameter ranging from a minimum to a maximum so that the sliding of the coupling ring (4) along the coupling portion causes the deformation of the coupling ring in a locking configuration of the connection sleeve to the first tubular member.