Tube Coupling Sleeve Structure for Mismatched Diameter Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting devices struggle to reliably secure a sealing sleeve onto tubes of very different outer diameters, often resulting in leaks or breakage due to high mechanical stress.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device featuring a sealing sleeve with support elements arranged along its outer side, which are not connected to each other, and clamping bands that can be adjusted to compress or relax the sealing sleeve, allowing for adaptation to different tube diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealing sleeve is pressed onto tubes of very different outer diameters using conventional clamping bands, then the connection can be established, but the sleeve may leak or break due to high mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple individual support elements (at least three) that are arranged along the outer side of the sealing sleeve. These elements can move independently relative to each other, allowing the structure to adapt to different tube diameters without concentrating excessive stress on any single point of the sealing sleeve.
Solution Approach 2:
The support elements are designed to be movable relative to one another, enabling the connecting device to dynamically adapt its configuration to accommodate tubes of very different outer diameters. This dynamic adjustment prevents rigid stress concentration that would otherwise cause the sealing sleeve to leak or break.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid support structure is used to hold the sealing sleeve, then structural stability is improved, but the device cannot adapt to different tube diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple independent support elements that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the structure to adapt its shape to different tube diameters while maintaining overall structural stability through the coordinated movement of individual elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting device changes its geometric parameters (the relative positions and orientations of the support elements) to adapt to different tube diameters. By adjusting the configuration of the support elements, the device maintains structural stability across varying diameter conditions.
3Ease of operation
If multiple support elements are connected to each other to form a rigid structure, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the support elements cannot move independently to prevent jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements are designed as separate, movable components rather than a rigid connected structure. This segmentation prevents jamming by allowing each element to move independently, while the overall assembly remains relatively simple as the elements can be attached to the sealing sleeve in a straightforward manner.
4Device complexity
If a single clamping band is used to secure the sealing sleeve, then device complexity is reduced, but the device cannot provide differential compression for tubes of different diameters
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single clamping band, the device employs multiple support elements (at least three) that can be independently positioned and compressed. This segmentation enables differential compression capabilities while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through the use of simple, repeatable support element structures.
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 device achieves reliable fluid tightness and easy assembly, with the support elements moving independently to prevent jamming, and can be adapted to various tube dimensions, ensuring secure connections.
Implementation Method 1
Each support element at least partly consists of or contains a deformable material
Implementation Method 2
clamping bands or clamping collars are used to press the sealing sleeve onto the tubes to be connected
Data Source
AI summary
A connecting device for connecting a first and second tube has a sealing sleeve, support elements and first and second clamping bands. First and second end portions of the sealing sleeve receive tube end portions of the first and second tube, respectively. Deformable support elements are arranged on the outer face of the sealing sleeve without being connected to each other, such that first and second support element contact pressing portions of the support elements form first and second openings for receiving first and second end portions, respectively, of the sealing sleeve. A deformable connecting portion connects the first and second support element contact pressing portions. The first and second clamping bands shorten or extend to vary the spacing between the first and second support element contact pressing portions, respectively, to compress or relax the first and second end portions, respectively, of the sealing sleeve.