Tube Coupling Isolation Sleeve Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tube coupling devices allow water to contact metal portions, leading to bacterial growth and back pressure issues, which existing check valve designs fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A tube coupling device with a valve member featuring an isolation sleeve and a locking set, including a protruded rib and retaining groove, that separates water from the metal tubular member, enhancing isolation and secure fixation, and preventing the isolation sleeve from moving upward to block the air conduit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water flows through the tubular member, then water supply function is achieved, but water contacts metal portions causing bacterial growth and back pressure
Solution Approach 1:
An isolation sleeve made of non-metallic material (such as plastic) is introduced as an intermediary between the water and the metal tubular member. The sleeve has a flow channel that allows water to pass through while preventing direct contact with the metal inner wall, thereby eliminating bacterial growth and back pressure issues while maintaining water supply function.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner wall of the tubular member is segmented into two parts: the metal tubular member itself and the separate isolation sleeve. This segmentation allows the water flow path to be separated from the metal surface, achieving both water supply and isolation functions simultaneously.
2Ease of operation
If the isolation sleeve is made loose-fitting, then installation is easy, but the sleeve may move upward and block the air conduit
Solution Approach 1:
A locking set consisting of a protruded rib on the tubular member and a corresponding retaining groove on the isolation sleeve acts as an intermediary mechanical feature. This locking mechanism prevents the isolation sleeve from moving upward while maintaining a loose-fitting design that allows easy installation, and simultaneously prevents blocking of the air conduit.
3Reliability
If the isolation sleeve is tightly fitted, then position stability is achieved, but installation becomes difficult and contact area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking set is segmented into two separate features: a protruded rib extending from the tubular member and a retaining groove formed on the isolation sleeve. This segmentation allows the locking function to be achieved through a simple interlocking mechanism rather than tight fitting, making installation easy while maintaining position stability.
4Reliability
If the locking set is not provided, then device complexity is reduced, but the isolation sleeve cannot be securely fixed
Solution Approach 1:
The locking set is divided into two simple geometric features: a protruded rib and a retaining groove. This segmentation creates a minimalistic locking mechanism that provides secure fixation without adding significant structural complexity. The protruded rib and retaining groove form a simple interlocking system that is easy to manufacture and assemble.
Data Source
AI summary
A tube coupling device having a check valve contains: a coupling body and a valve assembly. The coupling body includes a tubular member and a circular connecting seat, the tubular member is hollow to flow water, and the coupling body also includes an isolation sleeve for covering on an inner wall of the tubular member, such that the isolation sleeve separates the water from the tubular member, and the isolation sleeve has a flow channel for flowing the water. The locking set is disposed between the tubular member and the isolation sleeve and includes a protruded rib extending inwardly around the tubular member and retained between the isolation sleeve and the tubular member. The locking set also includes a retaining groove formed on the isolation sleeve and retaining with the protruded rib, and the retaining groove engages with the protruded rib and covers three sides of the protruded rib.