Torque Limiting Fitting With Deformable Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional metal fittings for conduits are expensive and prone to damage when using plastic alternatives, as they require excessive torque for assembly, which can lead to material failure and loosening due to vibration, necessitating a cost-effective and torque-limiting solution.
Innovation Solution
A torque-limiting fitting composed of plastic with deformable sections that allow torque transmission only up to a maximum threshold, preventing excessive force application and providing a secure seal while allowing relative movement to prevent damage, featuring engagement and receiving portions with elastic return properties to ensure secure assembly and disassembly without specialized tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If plastic material is used to substitute metal fittings, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the fitting becomes vulnerable to damage from excessive torque during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting incorporates a deformable section that allows dynamic adjustment during assembly. When torque is applied, the deformable section deflects radially to accommodate the torque up to a maximum threshold, preventing damage to the plastic fitting while still allowing secure assembly. This dynamic behavior enables plastic material to withstand assembly torque without permanent damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting changes its structural parameters during assembly through the deformable section. The radial deflection of the deformable section modifies the engagement between engagement and receiving portions, allowing the fitting to adapt its torque transmission characteristics. This parameter change enables the plastic fitting to handle assembly torque safely while maintaining connection integrity.
2Strength
If conventional metal fittings are used, then torque strength is sufficient, but manufacturing cost increases due to material price and processing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting changes its structural parameters during assembly through the deformable section. The radial deflection of the deformable section modifies the engagement between engagement and receiving portions, allowing the fitting to adapt its torque transmission characteristics. This parameter change enables the plastic fitting to handle assembly torque safely while maintaining connection integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting incorporates a deformable section that allows dynamic adjustment during assembly. When torque is applied, the deformable section deflects radially to accommodate the torque up to a maximum threshold, preventing damage to the plastic fitting while still allowing secure assembly. This dynamic behavior enables plastic material to withstand assembly torque without permanent damage.
3Reliability
If excessive torque is applied during assembly, then secure connection is achieved, but the fitting may be damaged or loosen due to vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable section acts as a cushioning element that absorbs excess torque before it can damage the fitting. During assembly, when torque exceeds the maximum threshold, the deformable section deflects radially to absorb the excess energy, protecting the plastic fitting from damage. This beforehand cushioning ensures that even if excessive torque is applied, the fitting integrity is maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting incorporates a deformable section that allows dynamic adjustment during assembly. When torque is applied, the deformable section deflects radially to accommodate the torque up to a maximum threshold, preventing damage to the plastic fitting while still allowing secure assembly. This dynamic behavior enables plastic material to withstand assembly torque without permanent damage.
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 effectively limits torque applied to plastic fittings, preventing damage and ensuring secure connections, while allowing easy assembly and disassembly, thus overcoming the limitations of metal fittings and providing a cost-effective alternative with improved durability and vibration resistance.
Implementation Method 1
The deformable section has the engagement portion or the receiving portion arranged thereon and able to deflect radially during relative rotational movement of the first and second tubular element, wherein such radial deflection is against an elastic return force of the deformable section.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A torque limiting fitting (1) comprising a first tubular element (2) having a first end (2a) for receiving a first conducting member and a second end (2b) for receiving a second conducting member, the first end including a coupling portion (2c) for engaging with a coupling element (10), a second tubular element (3) coupled to and rotatable relative to the first tubular element (2), at least one engagement portion (4) having a first shape, and at least one receiving portion (5) having a second shape, the first shape arranged to allow transmission of torque to the second shape in at least one direction, and wherein one of the engagement portion (4) and the receiving portion (5) is arranged at a first surface of the first tubular element (2) and the respective other one (5; 4) is arranged at a second surface of the second tubular element (3), wherein at least one deformable section (6) is provided on the first or second tubular element (2; 3), the deformable section extending along an axial length of at least a part of the first or second tubular element (2; 3), respectively, and having a first edge (6a) and a second edge (6b), the deformable section having the engagement portion or the receiving portion (4; 5) arranged thereon and being able to deflect radially during relative rotational movement of the first and second tubular element (2, 3), wherein such radial deflection is against an elastic return force of the deformable section (6), the engagement portion (4) and the receiving portion (5) are configured to engage in a first direction of rotation of the first tubular element (2) relative to the second tubular element (3), wherein a first torque applied to the first tubular element or the second tubular element (2; 3) having the engagement portion arranged thereto is transferred to the respective other one of the second tubular element and the first tubular element (3; 2) such that there is substantially no relative rotational movement between the first tubular element and the second tubular element (2, 3), and the deformable section (6) substantially does not deflect radially, and the engagement portion (4) and the receiving portion (5) are configured to engage in a second direction of rotation of the first tubular element (2) relative to the second tubular element (3), wherein a second torque applied to the first tubular element or the second tubular element (2; 3) having the engagement portion (6) arranged thereto is transferred to the respective other one of the second tubular element and the first tubular element (3; 2) such that there is substantially no relative rotational movement between the first tubular element and the second tubular element (2, 3), and the deformable section (6) substantially does not deflect radially, when the second torque is below or equal to a maximum torque threshold, and there is relative rotational movement between the first tubular r element and the second tubular element (2, 3), and the deformable section (6) deflects radially when the second torque exceeds the maximum torque threshold.