Tube Coupling Sleeve with Internal Retention for Protected Pre-Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices for aligned tubes require external elements like buttons and lugs for pre-assembly, which are prone to separation and damage due to exposure, complicating assembly and ensuring correct positioning.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device with a sealing sleeve and clamping sleeve featuring internal retaining members that cooperate with axial retention surfaces on the tubes, allowing pre-assembly protection and easy disassembly through cam surfaces, eliminating the need for external elements and reducing the risk of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external components (button on tube, tab on clamping sleeve) are used for pre-assembly, then pre-assembly positioning is achieved, but the components are exposed to impacts and risk detaching from mounting parts
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element is integrated into the sealing sleeve as a single piece structure, eliminating the need for separate external components. The retaining element protrudes inward from the sealing sleeve's outer peripheral surface and engages with the tube's retaining surface, combining the functions of positioning and retention in one integrated component that is protected by the sealing sleeve structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having external tabs protruding outward from the clamping sleeve as in prior art, the retaining element protrudes inward from the sealing sleeve's outer surface toward the tube. This inversion places the retaining feature in a protected internal position rather than an exposed external position, reducing vulnerability to impacts.
2Ease of operation
If external tabs with openings are used for pre-assembly, then positioning is enabled, but the tabs are directly exposed to impacts and may shift or detach
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element is formed as an integral part of the sealing sleeve structure, eliminating separate external tabs. The retaining element protrudes inward from the sealing sleeve and engages with the tube's retaining surface, combining positioning and retention functions in a protected internal configuration that is not exposed to external impacts.
3Ease of operation
If retaining elements are formed separately and attached to sealing or clamping sleeves, then pre-assembly is enabled, but additional attachment steps and potential failure points are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element is formed in one piece with the sealing sleeve, integrating multiple functions (sealing, retaining, and structural support) into a single component. This eliminates the need for separate retaining elements and their attachment operations, reducing the total number of components and assembly steps while maintaining pre-assembly capability.
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 pre-assembly and protected retention of the coupling device on tubes, ensuring correct positioning and allowing tool-free disassembly, while maintaining a watertight seal and reducing the risk of external damage.
Implementation Method 1
the retaining member has a cam surface capable of cooperating with the retaining surface during a relative rotational movement between the tube which has said retaining surface and said one of the elements which has the retaining member, in a direction tending towards the disengagement of the axial retention
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 2
Figure 4
AI summary
The device comprises a sealing sleeve (20) that can be arranged about the facing ends of two tubes (1, 2) and a clamping sleeve (10) into which the sealing sleeve extends. One of the elements comprising the sealing sleeve (20) and the clamping sleeve (10) has at least one retaining member (32A, 32B) capable of engaging, in axial retention inside the clamping sleeve, with a retention surface (1'A, 2'A) of one of the tubes covered by the clamping sleeve.