Tube Coupling Sleeve with Protected Pre-Attachment Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coupling devices for aligning tubes require external elements that are prone to disconnection and damage, complicating pre-attachment and assembly processes.

Innovation Solution

A coupling device with a retaining member integrated into the sealing or clamping sleeve that cooperates with a retaining surface on the tube, allowing for secure pre-attachment and detachment without external elements, protected by the clamping sleeve to prevent damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If external elements (button on tube, tab on clamping sleeve) are used for pre-attachment, then pre-attachment is enabled, but the elements are prone to disconnection and damage due to external exposure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepre-attachment capabilityVSAvoidconnection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining member is integrated into the sealing sleeve or clamping sleeve structure, merging the pre-attachment function with the existing coupling device components. This eliminates separate external elements and reduces disconnection risks while maintaining pre-attachment capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining member is positioned inside the clamping sleeve, nested within the protective enclosure. This internal positioning protects the retaining member from external impacts and prevents disconnection while still enabling pre-attachment to the tube

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If external elements are added for pre-attachment, then assembly is facilitated, but device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly easeVSAvoidnumber of elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining member is formed as an integral part of the sealing sleeve or clamping sleeve, combining multiple functions into a single component. This reduces the total number of elements while maintaining pre-attachment functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining member serves multiple functions: it enables pre-attachment, provides positioning during assembly, and integrates with the sealing or clamping mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated pre-attachment elements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11415250B2Device for coupling two tubes with pre-assembly

Publication Date: 2022.08.16 CAILLAU

AI summary

The device includes a sealing sleeve suitable for being disposed around the facing ends of two tubes and a clamping sleeve inside which the sealing sleeve extends. One of the elements constituted by the sealing sleeve and by the clamping sleeve has at least one retaining member suitable for co-operating in axial retention inside the clamping sleeve with a retaining surface of one of the tubes, which retaining surface is covered by the clamping sleeve.