Split Tube Connector Lateral Adjustment Friction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for connecting elongated tubular members are cumbersome for transportation and assembly due to difficulties in securing multiple components together, leading to inefficient handling and erection processes.
Innovation Solution
A split tube connector system featuring a connector assembly with laterally adjustable connectors that frictionally engage the inner surfaces of tubular members, allowing for secure, removable, and adjustable connections without visible fasteners, enabling easy breakdown and reassembly of tubular structures like vertical masts for compact transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If tubular members are separated into multiple components for transportation, then transportation efficiency is improved, but the fastening systems used to secure components together become difficult or awkward to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is divided into multiple separable components including a first connector, a second connector, and an intermediate section. This segmentation allows the fastening system itself to be transported and stored in compact forms while enabling quick assembly at the erection site without requiring complex handling of monolithic fastening systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate section is positioned within and connects both the first and second connectors, creating a nested structure. This nesting allows the intermediate section to be stored compactly within the connector assemblies during transportation, reducing the overall volume and simplifying handling of the complete fastening system.
2Strength
If connector assembly laterally adjusts to engage inner surfaces, then connection strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly incorporates lateral adjustability that allows it to dynamically adapt to the inner surfaces of the tubular members. The intermediate section can laterally expand or adjust its position to engage with the inner surfaces of both connectors, providing a strong friction-based connection while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through this dynamic adaptation capability.
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 system facilitates efficient and secure connection of tubular members, allowing for rapid assembly and disassembly, compact transportation, and height adjustability, while maintaining structural integrity and appearance of a single piece, applicable to various orientations and sizes of tubular members.
Implementation Method 1
The first connector and the second connector laterally adjust to engage a first inner surface of the first tubular member and a second inner surface of the second tubular member to frictionally connect the first tubular member to the second tubular member via the connector assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A split tube connector for efficiently connecting separate tubular members together. The split tube connector generally includes a first tubular member, a second tubular member separate from the first tubular member and a connector assembly including a first connector and a second connector connected to the first connector, wherein a first end of the connector assembly is removably positioned within the first tubular member and wherein a second end of the connector assembly is removably positioned with the second tubular member. The first connector and the second connector laterally adjust to engage a first inner surface of the first tubular member and a second inner surface of the second tubular member to frictionally connect the first tubular member to the second tubular member via the connector assembly.