Tube End Form Ramp Geometry for Lower Peak Insertion Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional tube end forms for fluid connectors require a high peak insertion force due to their straight ramp design, which can be cumbersome for users and may not encourage full insertion.
Innovation Solution
A tube end form with a ramp geometry featuring a steep initial frusto-conical surface followed by a shallower second frusto-conical surface, reducing the peak insertion force while increasing initial effort, thereby encouraging full seating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a straight ramp design is used, then the structure is simple, but the peak insertion force is high
Solution Approach 1:
The single straight ramp is segmented into multiple frusto-conical surfaces with different angles. The ramp is divided into a first frusto-conical surface and a second frusto-conical surface, each with different cone angles, allowing the insertion force to be distributed and reduced while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the ramp have different local properties - the first frusto-conical surface has a steeper angle for initial engagement, while the second frusto-conical surface has a shallower angle for reduced peak force during the main insertion phase. This local differentiation optimizes both insertion force characteristics and structural simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If a straight ramp design is used, then the initial insertion effort is low, but the peak insertion force is high
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp is segmented into multiple stages with different angles. The first frusto-conical surface provides initial engagement with manageable effort, while the second frusto-conical surface controls the peak force during subsequent insertion, distributing the operational effort throughout the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion process is divided into periodic stages corresponding to different frusto-conical surfaces. The first stage engages the initial frusto-conical surface with lower effort, followed by a second stage with the shallower surface that manages peak forces, creating a periodic variation in insertion characteristics.
3Force
If a variable ramp geometry is used, then the peak insertion force is reduced, but the initial insertion effort is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The variable ramp geometry applies local quality by assigning different cone angles to different portions of the ramp. The first frusto-conical surface has a steeper angle to reduce peak insertion force, while the second frusto-conical surface has a shallower angle to manage the initial insertion effort, optimizing both parameters through local differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometry parameters of the ramp are changed along its length - the cone angle varies from the first frusto-conical surface to the second frusto-conical surface. This parameter change allows the peak insertion force to be reduced while the initial effort is managed through the progressive geometric transition.
4Productivity
If a straight ramp design is used, then the insertion force increases linearly, but user encouragement for full insertion is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion process incorporates periodic variation in resistance through the different frusto-conical surfaces. The variation in cone angles creates distinct phases in the insertion process, with the shallower second surface providing a reduction in force that encourages users to complete the full insertion motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp geometry transitions from a static linear increase in force to a dynamic profile with varying slopes. The change from the first frusto-conical surface to the second frusto-conical surface creates a dynamic insertion experience that actively encourages full insertion through force variation rather than monotonic increase.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A tube end form (20), including a first section (23) including a first radially outward facing surface (24), a second section (29) including a second radially outward facing surface (30), and a shoulder (27) axially arranged between the first and second sections (23, 29), the shoulder (27) including a first frusto-conical surface (26A) arranged at a first angle relative to the first radially outward facing surface (24), and a second frusto-conical surface (26B) arranged at a second angle relative to the first radially outward facing surface (24).