Tube Coupling Device Anchor Washer Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cartridge-type connection devices for tubes in fluid transport circuits require significant effort for installation, can damage the circuit element's surface during insertion, and are difficult to remove due to anchoring mechanisms that obstruct access.

Innovation Solution

A tubular body with an anchor washer featuring inclined teeth and a deformable internal annular part, where the anchor washer is positioned at the end of the cartridge, allowing for easy insertion and removal by utilizing a pusher to lift the teeth and a tool-assisted mounting and dismounting process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If elastically deformable teeth are used for anchoring the device in the channel, then the device can be securely anchored and resist extraction, but significant insertion effort is required and the teeth cause scratches on the channel wall

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchoring strengthVSAvoidsurface damage
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A separate anchor washer is introduced as an intermediary component between the cartridge body and the channel wall. The anchor washer carries the anchoring teeth and can be independently inserted into the channel, preventing direct damage to the channel surface while maintaining secure anchoring. The washer acts as a mediator that protects the channel wall from scratches caused by the teeth during insertion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If the anchor washer is positioned at the far end of the cartridge for secure anchoring, then extraction resistance is improved, but the anchoring means become inaccessible for removal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchoring strengthVSAvoidremoval accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection device is segmented into separate functional components: the cartridge body containing the seal and connection elements, and the anchor washer containing the anchoring teeth. This segmentation allows the anchor washer to be positioned at the optimal location for anchoring while remaining independently accessible for removal using a suitable tool, resolving the contradiction between anchoring strength and removal accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Speed

If the cartridge is inserted at an angle due to misaligned effort, then insertion speed may be maintained, but the guide length is insufficient and proper positioning is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion speedVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor washer is pre-positioned on the cartridge body before insertion, with its teeth oriented to engage the channel walls. This preliminary arrangement of anchoring elements provides immediate guidance and self-alignment during insertion, allowing the cartridge to be inserted more quickly while maintaining proper positioning accuracy even if initial alignment is not perfect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Facilitates easy installation and removal of the tube connection device, reducing surface damage and leakage risks while maintaining a secure seal.

Implementation Method 1

an anchor washer (3) composed of an internal annular part (5), deformable in torsion, from which extend teeth (6), inclined with respect to a central axis of the annular part (5)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2558763B1Device for coupling a tube to a circuit element and method for dismantling such a device
Publication Date: 2016.03.30 PARKER HANNIFIN MANUFACTURING FRANCE SAS
  • EP2558763B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4c
  • EP2558763B1 patent drawingFigure 5a~5c

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for coupling a tube to a circuit element, including a tubular cartridge body (1) which, on the outside thereof, is provided with a ring (3) for anchoring the body in a hole (2) of the circuit element, and, on the inside thereof, with means (4) for holding the tube, characterized in that the anchoring ring (3) is mounted on an end portion (8) of the tubular body (1), which is intended to extend to the opening (16) of the hole when the coupling device is in use, the end portion (8) being elastically deformable between a deformed state enabling positioning of the ring (3) on the body and an rest state ensuring that the ring is held (3) on the body.