Design - Need to attach a cap to end of metal tube
Design - Need to attach a cap to end of metal tube
(OP)
Hello,
I am looking for a way to attach a cap to the end of a tube and looking for some suggestions. The tube is Appx. 3" OD tube with .06" wall. The cap also has an OD of 3". Threading the cap on with internal threads into the tube is not an option. I'm looking for some more unique ways to attach the cap. Also, the cap cannot have any fasteners exposed. The cap should be removable so adhesives might be out as well. A simple twist-lock or maybe bayonet style connector would be neat, but looking for some off shelf components to make this happen. Maybe some type of push-lock connection?
Thanks in advance.
I am looking for a way to attach a cap to the end of a tube and looking for some suggestions. The tube is Appx. 3" OD tube with .06" wall. The cap also has an OD of 3". Threading the cap on with internal threads into the tube is not an option. I'm looking for some more unique ways to attach the cap. Also, the cap cannot have any fasteners exposed. The cap should be removable so adhesives might be out as well. A simple twist-lock or maybe bayonet style connector would be neat, but looking for some off shelf components to make this happen. Maybe some type of push-lock connection?
Thanks in advance.





RE: Design - Need to attach a cap to end of metal tube
maybe a piece of spring steel, bent into a curve, ? to attach the cap you have to squeeze the spring to get it into the 3" tube ??
maybe two pieces shaped like an "S" (to balance the loads a little) ??
RE: Design - Need to attach a cap to end of metal tube
Could also be formed to create a 1/4 turn or less catch.
Or
Just need to form two "bumps" on one or the other part to engage.
There is always "friction" as well.
RE: Design - Need to attach a cap to end of metal tube
RE: Design - Need to attach a cap to end of metal tube
RE: Design - Need to attach a cap to end of metal tube
No? What are you trying to do?
Regards,
Mike
RE: Design - Need to attach a cap to end of metal tube
Seriously.
What are you holding in the container? Sand? Dust? Gasoline? Food-critical liquids? Something "stiff" like Glue? Putty? Liquid helium? Thumbtacks? Screws? Thin wire? Semiconductors?
What pressure?
What temperature?
What "shape" and geometry will your users (the builder, the packers and shippers, the user, the "loader" who puts stuff in the container (man, machine, automated assembly robot, astronaut or diver working under pressure or vacuum, who unloads it? How often is it unscrewed or reloaded?
How many are you making?
[b]What are the risks - the penalties of the container is turned upside down or sideways or is jammed or leaks or explodes (or doesn't open all).
How many are you making? [b]
Who makes it and what will be the tolerances for that fabrication?
Will it have to work in a hot or critical environment where the user needs to wear gloves or be in protective clothing?
Who will open it? (Hot outdoors condition in Saudi Arabia may require something that can be different to open than a frozen-shut gadget underneath a ice-filled pipe in a blizzard at night?)
RE: Design - Need to attach a cap to end of metal tube
RE: Design - Need to attach a cap to end of metal tube
RE: Design - Need to attach a cap to end of metal tube
here's a quick snap of what we're looking at:
RE: Design - Need to attach a cap to end of metal tube
RE: Design - Need to attach a cap to end of metal tube
Use a rubber plug sealing to pipe ID, with a grey metal outer shell.
RE: Design - Need to attach a cap to end of metal tube
RE: Design - Need to attach a cap to end of metal tube
The pic made me think of the key fob for clicking the car doors open and closed (and remote start, which is handy). The plastic clamshell is very well designed and I think it matches the OP's needs.
To change the battery is a challenging adventure with a thin-blade screwdriver or pocket knife, so it's not easy to open. There is no special cutout for an easy place to pry it open. It's gasketed against rain. I've had it apart and back together again at least four times, and it's still a booger to open.
There is also the interference fit on the back of my watch. Changing the battery in it is often accompanied by foul language and a craving for scotch and cheeseburgers. It's watertight to 100m. Also matches the OP's needs and is made of stainless steel.
Maybe you could look at how those are done?
Best to you,
Goober Dave
Haven't see the forum policies? Do so now: Forum Policies
RE: Design - Need to attach a cap to end of metal tube
Regards,
Cockroach
RE: Design - Need to attach a cap to end of metal tube
RE: Design - Need to attach a cap to end of metal tube
RE: Design - Need to attach a cap to end of metal tube
In any event, chicopee I like the way you think!
RE: Design - Need to attach a cap to end of metal tube
RE: Design - Need to attach a cap to end of metal tube
See how it works: The wine bottle cap has a expandable rubber band under a plastic lid, with a simple cam-and-lever on the lid. You insert the plug into the top of the bottle - rather than trying to re-use the cork - and flip the cam sideways. The cam lifts the plug up into the rubber band, which expands and seals the bottle tightly.