Fiber-Reinforced Fitting Collar for Predictable Tube Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fittings and collars for tubes exhibit inconsistent holding strength, leading to potential permanent failures under load.
Innovation Solution
A composite collar with a fiber-reinforced design, featuring axially oriented fibers and a tapered inner surface, is used to apply a consistent radial compressive force to the tube, ensuring a secure connection by pressing the collar onto the tube with a predetermined axial load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional collar is used to clamp the tube to the fitting, then the assembly is simple to manufacture and install, but the holding strength between the tube and fitting is inconsistent leading to permanent failures
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is constructed from composite materials with fibers oriented in specific patterns (axial fibers in the tapered section, hoop fibers in the cylindrical section) to provide consistent mechanical properties and predictable load distribution, resolving the inconsistency in holding strength while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the collar have different fiber orientations and material properties tailored to their specific functions: the tapered section uses axial fibers for load transfer, while the cylindrical section uses hoop fibers for circumferential support, creating locally optimized performance that ensures consistent holding strength
2Reliability
If a fiber reinforced composite collar with axially oriented fibers is used, then consistent holding strength is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is divided into distinct sections (tapered section with axial fibers, cylindrical section with hoop fibers) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled, allowing each section to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall manufacturing process through modular construction
Solution Approach 2:
The collar design incorporates specific geometric parameters (taper angle, section lengths, fiber orientations) that are optimized to achieve consistent holding strength, with the fiber orientation angles and section dimensions carefully controlled to ensure predictable mechanical behavior under load
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 solution provides a consistent and strong interface between the tube and fitting, enhancing the structural integrity and preventing premature failure by maintaining a predictable compressive load.
Implementation Method 1
The collar is able to provide for more consistent holding strength between the tubing and the fitting... the collar includes a fiber reinforced composite material including fibers and resin. Substantially all fibers forming the triangular section are axially oriented.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for coupling a fitting to a tubing end includes pressing a collar over the outer surface of the tubing until the strain on the collar in the hoop direction is at a predetermined level, or pressing a collar with a predetermined axial load.