Tubular Coupling Guide Surfaces for Fluid Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tubular couplings and connectors for fluid distribution systems, such as garden hoses, are complex, costly, and prone to reliability issues, especially under rugged conditions, with many requiring multiple components and experiencing problems with engagement, durability, and compatibility with various tube materials.
Innovation Solution
A tubular coupling design featuring a first component with a tubular male spigot and a second component with a socket, utilizing cooperating guide surfaces for alignment and a resilient seal, along with a rotatable locking collar for secure engagement, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, and an adapter for compatibility with existing systems like GARDENA®, with materials chosen based on tube properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional multi-component couplings with pawls and springs are used, then connection strength is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple traditional components (spigot, socket, pawls, springs, locking mechanisms) into a single integrated coupling body. The coupling comprises a first component with a spigot and a second component with a socket that integrate sealing, locking, and alignment functions into unified structures, eliminating the need for separate pawls, springs, and locking mechanisms while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling components are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. The spigot and socket structures provide sealing, positioning, locking, and alignment functions in a single integrated design, making the coupling universally applicable to various tube types and conditions without requiring additional specialized components.
2Reliability
If traditional couplings with multiple components are used, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates curved guide surfaces on the spigot and socket that guide the components into proper alignment during engagement. The curved surfaces automatically orient the spigot and socket correctly as they come together, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment and making the coupling easy to operate while ensuring reliable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling design includes self-aligning and self-locking features. The guide surfaces automatically align the components during engagement, and the integrated locking structures engage automatically without requiring manual manipulation of separate locking mechanisms, making the coupling easy to operate while maintaining high reliability.
3Force
If traditional hose connectors with gripper fingers and screw threads are used, then clamping force is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to slipping and loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional screw thread mechanisms and gripper finger systems with an integrated elastomeric coupling body that provides clamping force through its material properties and geometric design. The elastomeric material naturally conforms to and grips the tube while providing sufficient clamping force, eliminating the mechanical complexity and reliability issues of screw threads and separate gripper components.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling utilizes composite construction combining rigid structural elements with elastomeric sealing and gripping components. This composite approach provides both the necessary clamping force and the reliability of a unified structure that cannot slip or loosen like separate mechanical components.
4Strength
If permanent connectors with crimping are used, then connection strength is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the coupling with dynamic, releasable locking features that can transition between locked and unlocked states. The integrated locking mechanisms can be easily engaged and disengaged by the user, providing both strong connection when locked and easy releasability when needed, unlike permanent crimped connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling is designed as a separable system with distinct first and second components that can be easily assembled and disassembled. The segmentation allows the coupling to provide strong connection during use while maintaining adaptability for easy installation, removal, and reconfiguration, unlike permanent crimped connectors.
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
The solution provides a simple, robust, and cost-effective coupling system that ensures reliable fluid transfer, is compatible with existing systems, and maintains sealing engagement under various conditions, reducing the complexity and cost associated with traditional designs.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient seal to seal an adjacent end of the tubular male spigot to the flow passage
Data Source
AI summary
A tubular coupling comprising a first component (1) having a tubular male spigot (2) with a headed formation (3) on the outside thereof and extending towards one of its ends and a second component (5) has a socket for receiving the headed formation on the tubular male spigot in releasable manner. The second component has a flow passage (6) communicating with the socket generally collinearly with the tubular male spigot in the installed position. A seat (7) is provided in the inner surface of the socket so that it encircles an opening (8) where it communicates with the socket and the tubular male spigot has a resilient seal (9) for sealing an adjacent end of the tubular male spigot to the flow passage. The headed formation and socket are shaped to provide guide surfaces enabling introduction of the headed formation into the socket with the axis of the tubular male spigot extending transverse, typically at right angles, to the axis of a flow passage in the second component. The guide surfaces cooperate such that rotation of the first and second components to bring their axes into substantial alignment causes a seat and seal arrangement to become operative and the headed formation to be held captive relative to the socket. An adapter is provided for integrating the coupling with industry standard fittings.