Tube Coupling With Inclined Guide Hole for Low-Force Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tube couplings require a large force to insert the male connector into the female connector, making it difficult to attach and detach in confined spaces.
Innovation Solution
The tube coupling design includes a male connector with a protruding insertion part and a female connector with an inclined through hole, allowing the projection on the male connector to move along the through hole, enabling easy insertion with a small force by rotating the male connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a male connector is inserted straight into a female connector in the axial direction, then the connection is made, but a large force is required making insertion difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an inclined through hole that extends in a direction inclined with respect to the axial direction. The projection moves along this inclined path, converting a purely axial insertion motion into a combined axial and radial motion. This dimensional change allows the connector to be inserted with reduced force by following the inclined guidance path rather than forcing direct axial penetration.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined through hole acts as an intermediary mechanism between the projection and the insertion receiving part. Instead of the projection directly engaging with the insertion receiving part in a force-intensive axial motion, the inclined through hole mediates the interaction, guiding the projection along a path that reduces insertion force requirements while still achieving proper connection.
2Volume of moving object
If a connector is disposed in a narrow space, then space utilization is improved, but attachment and detachment work becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By utilizing the inclined through hole path, the insertion mechanism transforms the operational approach from requiring significant axial force to following a guided inclined path. This allows connectors to be attached and detached even in narrow spaces where applying large axial forces would be impractical, while still achieving secure connection.
3Force
If a projection moves along an inclined through hole, then insertion force is reduced, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion receiving part is segmented to include a separate inclined through hole feature distinct from the main axial insertion path. This segmentation allows the inclined guidance path to be added as a discrete structural element that provides force reduction functionality without fundamentally redesigning the entire connector structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclined through hole is provided locally in the insertion receiving part rather than requiring a complete structural transformation. This localized modification introduces the force-reducing inclined path feature at a specific location, minimizing overall structural complexity while achieving the desired reduction in insertion force.
Data Source
AI summary
A tube coupling is configured to connect and couple two tubes for fluid flow. The tube coupling includes: a male connector including an insertion part having a protruding shape protruding in an axial direction that is an insertion direction; and a female connector including an insertion receiving part having a recessed shape recessed in the axial direction and configured to be coupled to the insertion part upon insertion of the insertion part into the insertion receiving part. The insertion part includes a projection on a side surface of the male connector. The insertion receiving part includes a through hole on a side surface of the female connector. The through hole extends in a direction inclined with respect to the axial direction, and is configured to allow the projection to move in the through hole.