Tube Coupling Collar Retaining Tab Undulation Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for connecting tubes end to end using clamping collars with retaining tabs face issues of rigidity, which complicates tightening and may lead to ineffective clamping due to either insufficient deformation or loss of pre-attachment position.

Innovation Solution

A clamping system with a retaining tab that features an undulation between its fastener and attachment portions, allowing for flexibility during tightening while maintaining rigidity to hold the collar in place, facilitating easy pre-attachment and secure clamping without the need for additional washers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the retaining tab is made sufficiently rigid to hold the pre-attached position, then the pre-attachment stability is improved, but the tightening operation becomes complicated and clamping effectiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepre-attachment position stabilityVSAvoidtightening operation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining tab is segmented into multiple zones with different mechanical properties: a rigid attachment portion for stable pre-attachment, a flexible intermediate portion for easy deformation during tightening, and a rigid fastener portion for secure collar attachment. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the others.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the retaining tab are given different local qualities - the attachment portion has high rigidity to maintain pre-attachment position, the intermediate portion has high flexibility to accommodate tightening deformation, and the fastener portion has high rigidity to secure the collar. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between overall rigidity and local flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If the retaining tab is made very flexible to allow easy deformation during tightening, then the tightening operation becomes easier, but the pre-attached position is not held correctly and clamping effectiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetightening operation easeVSAvoidpre-attachment position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining tab is divided into functional segments where the intermediate portion provides flexibility for tightening while the attachment and fastener portions maintain rigidity for stable pre-attachment and collar securing. This segmentation prevents the entire tab from being overly flexible while still allowing necessary deformation in the intermediate zone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediate portion of the retaining tab is given locally high flexibility to enable easy deformation during tightening operations, while the attachment and fastener portions maintain locally high rigidity to hold the pre-attached position securely. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between overall flexibility and local stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If a washer is added to contribute to sealing and pre-attachment, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining tab integrates multiple functions that were previously performed by separate components: it provides pre-attachment to the tube, maintains positioning during tightening, and contributes to sealing through its deformation characteristics. By merging these functions into a single integrated component, the device complexity is reduced while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining tab serves multiple universal functions: it acts as a pre-attachment element, a positioning element during tightening, and a sealing contribution element through its deformation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate washers or other auxiliary components, reducing device complexity while maintaining sealing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system ensures effective pre-attachment and clamping by providing the necessary flexibility and stiffness, allowing for easy assembly and secure connection of tubes without compromising the clamping force, thus overcoming the limitations of previous designs.

Implementation Method 1

the retaining tab presents an undulation situated between its fastener portion and its attachment portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10563799B2System for coupling two tubes

Publication Date: 2020.02.18 ESTAB CAILLAU SARL

AI summary

The system comprises a clamping collar having a clamping band suitable for being tightened around the abutting ends of the two tubes. The collar has a retaining tab that presents a fastener portion whereby said retaining tab is fastened to the band of the collar and that extends substantially axially towards an attachment portion of said retaining tab whereby said retaining tab is suitable for being attached to the first tube in the vicinity of its first end.