Tube Coupler Checking Tool for Visual Closure Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
In systems using tube couplers for coupling tubes in various fields, it is difficult to visually verify the correct attachment state of multiple tube couplers, and ensuring the attachment is maintained over time.
Innovation Solution
A checking tool with hook pieces and claw pieces is designed to attach specifically to the tube coupler, ensuring it can only be correctly attached when the coupler is closed, allowing for visual confirmation of proper coupling and maintaining the closed state through resilient auxiliary bodies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple tube couplers are arranged in the apparatus, then the tube coupling function is improved, but the difficulty of checking individual attachment states increases
Solution Approach 1:
The checking tool utilizes visual color indicators to show the attachment state of tube couplers. When the checking tool is properly attached to a tube coupler, the attached state detection unit displays a specific color (e.g., green) to indicate correct attachment, while a different color (e.g., red) indicates improper attachment or missing checking tool. This allows operators to quickly visually check multiple tube couplers without complex inspection procedures.
2Ease of operation
If the tube coupler is designed with hinged first and second coupling pieces, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of maintaining closed state is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The checking tool provides visual feedback about the attachment state of the tube coupler. The attached state detection unit includes a display that shows whether the first and second coupling pieces are properly closed and locked. This feedback mechanism allows operators to verify that the hinged coupling pieces are correctly positioned and maintained in the closed state, compensating for the inherent unreliability of simple hinged designs.
3Device complexity
If no checking mechanism is provided, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of attachment state is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The checking tool is designed to be attached to and by the tube coupler itself, using the existing hook pieces and coupling structure. The checking tool leverages the tube coupler's own components (first and second coupling pieces, hook pieces) as part of the checking mechanism, rather than requiring a completely separate external inspection device. This self-service approach provides accurate attachment verification while minimizing additional complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a checking tool for a tube coupler with which it is possible to visually check an attachment state of the tube coupler. A checking tool 10 for a tube coupler according to the present invention is a checking tool configured to be attached to a tube coupler 30, the tube coupler being formed of a first coupling piece 31 and a second coupling piece 35 hingedly connected to each other so as to be able to be opened and closed, being configured to couple tubes to each other with use of the first coupling piece and the second coupling piece, and having hook pieces 33 and 37 that are provided protruding from outer circumferential surfaces of the first coupling piece and the second coupling piece. The checking tool includes a pair of longitudinal frames 11 that conform to an outer circumferential surface of the tube coupler, a first lateral frame 12 that connects end portions at one end of the pair of longitudinal frames to each other, a second lateral frame 16 that connects end portions at the other end of the pair of longitudinal frames to each other, a first claw piece 13 that is provided protruding from the first lateral frame toward the second lateral frame, and a second claw piece 17 that is provided protruding from the second lateral frame toward the first lateral frame.