Barbed Tube Coupling for Easy Installation and Fluid-Tight Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tubing connectors are difficult to attach to tubing, making it challenging to connect two lengths of tubing together while maintaining a fluid tight seal, and increasing the cost with additional parts.
Innovation Solution
A tube coupling design featuring cylindrical couplers with annular bodies, barbs, and flanges that allow for easy insertion and secure retention of tubes, creating a fluid tight connection without the need for excessive parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If compression style connectors are used to form a tight connection and fluid tight seal, then the connection reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because it is difficult to adequately grip the connector to properly seat the tube
Solution Approach 1:
A compression ring is introduced as an intermediary component between the connector body and the tube. The compression ring can be compressed by a compression tool to expand radially and form a tight seal with the tube, while the connector body itself remains easy to grip and position during installation
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into separate functional components: a connector body for gripping and positioning, and a compression ring for forming the seal. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the body for ease of installation and the ring for connection reliability
2Ease of operation
If gaskets are used to form the seal and make the connector easier to install, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the additional parts
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged with the compression mechanism by integrating the compression ring directly into the connector body structure. The compression ring is positioned within recesses in the connector body and can be compressed radially to form the seal, eliminating the need for separate gasket components
Solution Approach 2:
The compression ring serves multiple functions: it provides the sealing interface with the tube, acts as a structural element within the connector body, and enables the compression mechanism for installation. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of parts needed
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 tube coupling effectively connects and secures tubes with a fluid tight seal, reducing installation difficulties and maintaining a low cost structure by minimizing the number of parts required.
Implementation Method 1
The barb is configured to compress the tube to form a fluid tight seal
Implementation Method 2
the tube elastically returning toward its original diameter once passed the barb
Data Source
AI summary
A tube connector having a body and a coupler is provided. The body defines a fluid flow path therethrough. The coupler has an annular body including an outer wall and an inner surface. An end of the outer wall is mounted on the body at one end of the flow path. The inner surface is supported by the outer wall and defines a central opening for receiving an end portion of a tube. The coupler includes a barb protruding radially inward from the inner surface to engage the end portion of the tube to secure the tube to the coupler. The coupler includes a protrusion extending radially outward from the outer wall.