Hollow Tube Socket Collet Screw Guide Channel Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hose reel systems require complex and costly connections between metal tubes and plastic mounting frames, involving multiple components and difficult assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A hollow tube and mounting frame assembly featuring a socket with a kernel forming a collet and a guide channel for screw insertion, allowing the screw to deform the tube's wall for secure fixation without major structural modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional fasteners and multiple components are used to connect tubes and mounting frames, then the connection strength is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mounting frame, socket, kernel, and fastening mechanism into a single integrated plastic component. The socket is formed directly in the mounting frame, the kernel extends into the tube to form a collet, and the receiving aperture with guide channel is integrated into the mounting frame, eliminating the need for separate metal plates, multiple fasteners, and complex assembly steps.
2Reliability
If traditional multiple-component connection systems are used, then the connection reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the fastening function into two distinct actions: insertion through the guide channel for alignment, and threading through the wall for secure attachment. This segmentation allows each action to be optimized independently - the guide channel ensures precise alignment during insertion, while the threaded portion provides reliable mechanical attachment, simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide channel automatically aligns the screw with the tube's longitudinal axis during insertion, eliminating the need for separate alignment operations. The kernel's collet structure self-adjusts to grip the tube internally, and the threaded portion self-taps into the tube wall, reducing the need for pre-drilled holes or complex fastening procedures.
3Strength
If structural modifications are made to tubes and mounting frames for connection, then the connection strength is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter of the mounting frame from traditional metal to plastic, allowing for complex geometries (sockets, kernels, guide channels, threaded portions) to be formed through injection molding rather than requiring costly metal fabrication processes. This material parameter change enables integration of multiple components into a single molded part, significantly reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining connection strength.
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
Provides a cost-efficient, simple, and reliable connection between the tube and mounting frame, ensuring the tube is securely fixed without easy removal, applicable to hose reels and hose trolleys.
Implementation Method 1
the threads of the screw cut into the wall of the tube and deform the wall such that the tube is held firmly against the outer surface of the kernel
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A hollow tube and mounting frame assembly (200) is disclosed in the present invention. The hollow tube (112, 114) comprises a wall (204) with an inner surface (206) and an outer surface (208). A socket (120), formed in the mounting frame (104, 06), is configured to receive the tube (112, 114). The socket (120) comprises an 5 inner surface (202) that substantially corresponds to the outer surface (208) of the tube (112, 114). Further, a receiving aperture (122), formed in the mounting frame (104, 106), is configured to receive a screw (124) that fastens the tube (112, 114) to the mounting frame (104, 106). A kernel (210) extends into the socket (120) forming a collet (212) between an outer surface (214) of the kernel (210) and the inner surface 10 (202) of the socket (120). The kernel (210) is positioned such that the inner surface (206) of the tube (112, 114) is in contact with the outer surface (214) of the kernel (210) at at least one contact position (216). Moreover, a guide channel (220), formed in the receiving aperture (122), is configured to align the screw (124) substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis (L) of that part of the tube (112, 114) that extends into 1 the collet (212). The guide channel (220) opens into the collet (212) proximate the contact position (216) such that the guide channel (220) overlaps with the space occupied by the wall (204) of the tube (112, 114).