Support Ring Structure for Press Joints Under Hoop Stress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical joinery systems, particularly 'press' joint connections, face issues with fracture and slippage due to uneven stress and hoop stress in tubular connections, which existing technologies fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A support ring for tubular connections featuring a body with a circumferential ring lip and a protrusion, providing additional support and grip to prevent fractures and slippage by distributing forces uniformly and enhancing the connection's stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sleeves are used for press connections, then the joint can be assembled, but the joinery may fail due to uneven stress and hoop stress causing fracture or slippage
Solution Approach 1:
The support ring is divided into distinct functional segments: a body portion for structural support, a circumferential ring lip for positioning and load distribution, and a protrusion for enhanced grip. This segmentation allows each element to address specific stress issues independently while working together to prevent joint failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support ring introduces localized structural features at critical stress points: the ring lip concentrates support at the socket interface where hoop stress is highest, while the protrusion provides localized grip enhancement where slippage risk is greatest. This local quality enhancement targets specific weakness points without requiring complete redesign of the entire connection.
2Ease of manufacture
If press joint connections are used to replace traditional threaded or thermal connections, then installation is simplified, but the connections are susceptible to fracture under hoop stress
Solution Approach 1:
The support ring acts as an intermediary component between the socket and the tube, providing mechanical reinforcement without interfering with the press connection process. It mediates the stress forces by distributing hoop stress around the socket circumference and preventing stress concentration that would lead to fracture, while maintaining the simplicity of press joint installation.
3Strength
If the support ring adds structural reinforcement features, then fracture resistance improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support ring is designed as a thin-walled cylindrical structure that provides significant structural reinforcement through its geometric configuration rather than through massive material sections. The circumferential ring lip and protrusion are formed as thin extensions from the ring body, achieving high strength-to-weight ratio and fracture resistance while minimizing added complexity and material usage.
Data Source
AI summary
A support ring for a tubular connection is provided that comprises a body comprising a first end and a second end. A circumferential ring lip extends from the first end of the body and positioned perpendicular to the body. A protrusion is positioned on the body between the first end and the second end. The protrusion comprises a top surface and a bottom surface.