Integrated Spring Fastening Member for Easier Pipe Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fastening systems for connecting pipes, such as those in automobile exhaust systems, require separate assembly of bolts and coil springs, making it difficult for workers to perform the task due to the need for tools or pipes, thereby complicating the connection process.
Innovation Solution
A fastening member is designed with a fastening main body section that includes a threaded section, a shaft section, a head section, a stepped section, and a locking section, where the coil spring is integrated and locked within the shaft and stepped sections, allowing for easier assembly and improved handleability by preventing separation and maintaining a secure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the bolt and coil spring are configured separately, then the fastening function and load absorption function are achieved, but the assembly complexity increases and workability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the bolt and coil spring into a single integrated fastening member. The fastening main body section includes a threaded section for coupling to the pipe, a shaft section, a head section, and a locking section, with the coil spring assembled within the shaft and stepped sections. This integration eliminates the need for separate assembly operations, improving worker handleability while maintaining both fastening and load absorption functions.
2Ease of operation
If the coil spring is integrated into the fastening member, then the handleability improves, but the structural complexity of the fastening member increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coil spring is nested within the fastening member structure, specifically positioned within the shaft section and stepped section. The maximum diameter of the head section is greater than the inner diameter of the coil spring, allowing the spring to be housed within the overall fastening member geometry. This nesting approach integrates the coil spring function without significantly increasing the external dimensions or complexity of the fastening member.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening member is divided into distinct functional sections: a threaded section for coupling, a shaft section for spring housing, a stepped section for spring retention, and a head section for locking. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function while maintaining an organized, manufacturable structure that doesn't overly complicate the overall design.
3Reliability
If the coil spring is locked to the fastening member, then the reliability of the connection improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coil spring is preliminarily assembled with the fastening main body section during manufacturing, with the locking section designed to secure the spring in place. This preliminary assembly ensures the spring is properly positioned and locked before the fastening member is installed, guaranteeing reliable connection performance while allowing for efficient manufacturing through integrated design rather than post-assembly operations.
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
This design enhances the workability of connecting pipes by allowing for improved handleability and secure locking of the coil spring, ensuring reliable absorption of load changes during bending and maintaining an air-tight connection.
Implementation Method 1
A coil spring is provided between a head section of a bolt and a flange of a pipe to absorb change in load of a connection portion of pipes in a case where the connection portion is bent.
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening member includes: a fastening main body section; and a coil spring assembled with the fastening main body section. The fastening main body section includes a threaded section configured to be coupled to a coupling target, a shaft section extending from one end of the threaded section, a head section provided on a side of the shaft section opposite to the threaded section side, the head section having a maximum diameter greater than an inner diameter of the coil spring, a stepped section provided between the shaft section and the head section, and a locking section provided in the stepped section or the head section and configured to lock the coil spring. The coil spring is configured to be inserted into the shaft section and the stepped section, and be locked to the locking section.