Stiff Tube Coupling Assembly for Axial Connection Without Tube Movement

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge lies in connecting a female coupling part with a male coupling part that requires relative axial displacement, particularly with stiff tubes that cannot be moved or bent, necessitating a solution that is easy, safe, and compatible with existing couplings in industrial settings.

Innovation Solution

An assembly comprising a stiff tube with an attachment means and a male coupling part that allows relative axial displacement, utilizing a detachably connected element with a screw connection and a removable stop for secure engagement, enabling connection and disconnection without moving the stiff tube, and accommodating existing couplings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a male coupling part requiring relative axial displacement is used, then connection to female coupling part is enabled, but the stiff tube cannot be moved or bent to provide flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection capabilityVSAvoidflexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling system is divided into three main segments: the stiff tube, the male coupling part, and the female coupling part. The male coupling part can be detached from the stiff tube and reattached, allowing it to be positioned independently to achieve the necessary axial displacement for connection, while the stiff tube remains stationary and maintains its structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The male coupling part is designed to be dynamically repositionable relative to the stiff tube. It can be detached, moved axially to the required position, and reattached, providing the flexibility needed for connection operations without requiring the stiff tube itself to be flexible or movable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing couplings are accommodated, then compatibility is maintained, but the connection process becomes complicated and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidconnection process
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The male coupling part is designed with universal compatibility to work with existing female coupling parts in the industry. By maintaining compatibility with standard couplings while incorporating the detachable design, the system achieves multi-functionality: it works with existing infrastructure and simplifies the connection process through easier positioning and attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If a detachably connected element allowing axial displacement is used, then connection is enabled, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into the stiff tube, male coupling part, and female coupling part, with the male coupling part being detachably connected. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using standard processes, avoiding the need for complex integrated manufacturing while still achieving the desired connection functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The male coupling part is pre-assembled with the necessary connection features before being attached to the stiff tube. This preliminary preparation allows for simpler manufacturing of individual components and facilitates easier final assembly, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while enabling the required axial displacement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3680535B1Assembly of a coupling and a stiff tube and method therefore
Publication Date: 2022.08.03 CEJN AB
  • EP3680535B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3680535B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6
  • EP3680535B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

An assembly of a male coupling part 200 and a stiff tube 100 is disclosed, the stiff tube 100 having an attachment means 110; and the male coupling part 200 requiring a relative axial displacement between the male coupling part 200 and the stiff tube 100 for connecting to a female coupling part 500, the male coupling part 200 comprising an axial through opening 210. The Assembly further comprises an element 300 detachably connected to the male coupling part 200 and slidably attached to the stiff tube 100, the element 300 having an opening 310 allowing relative axial displacement 340 between the male coupling part 200 and the stiff tube 100, and the attachment means 110 being movable within the opening 310. A method for coupling and un-coupling the assembly to a female coupling part is also disclosed.