Compressible Coupling With Circumferential Teeth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling designs for tubes and pipes face issues such as relative rotation between the tube and coupling body, leading to seal failure under torque, and require precise material specifications and tube preparation, which increases assembly time and costs, and are not suitable for all environments like the automotive industry.
Innovation Solution
A coupling with circumferential teeth and annular protuberances that interlock to prevent relative rotation and provide a robust seal, allowing for use with standard materials and tolerances, and can be assembled without specialized tools or torque measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional compression fittings are used with controlled material specifications and enhanced mechanical properties, then the seal and grip are improved, but the manufacturing complexity and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the coupling body, specifically incorporating circumferential teeth and annular protuberances with specific dimensional relationships. The teeth have a depth that is 10-30% of the bore diameter, and the protuberances have controlled radial dimensions, allowing standard materials to achieve reliable sealing and grip through optimized geometry rather than enhanced material properties
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling body is segmented into distinct functional features: circumferential teeth for rotational locking, annular protuberances for sealing, and a bore for tube reception. This segmentation allows each feature to perform its specific function independently, with the teeth preventing rotation, the protuberances providing seal contact, and the bore guiding assembly, thereby simplifying the overall design requirements
2Reliability
If traditional compression fittings require precise tube preparation and skin hardness restrictions, then the assembly reliability is improved, but the assembly time and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The circumferential teeth automatically perform the function of tube preparation during assembly. As the coupling is compressed onto the tube, the teeth naturally penetrate and deform the tube surface, creating their own engagement path without requiring pre-prepared surfaces. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual scratch removal or special tube preparation procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling design incorporates pre-formed circumferential teeth with specific geometry that will automatically engage the tube surface during compression. The teeth are预先 shaped to penetrate the tube skin and create deformation patterns that ensure reliable grip, eliminating the need for post-manufacturing tube preparation steps
3Ease of operation
If traditional fittings use threaded connections with feel-based adjustment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision and repeatability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the threaded mechanical adjustment system with a direct compression system. Instead of using threads requiring feel-based torque application, the coupling simply compresses onto the tube in a single axial direction. The circumferential teeth and annular protuberances automatically engage at predetermined positions, eliminating the need for operator judgment and providing repeatable assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling design incorporates built-in mechanical features that automatically indicate proper assembly. The circumferential teeth and annular protuberances are designed to engage at specific compression points, providing self-evident assembly confirmation through their geometric constraints rather than requiring operator feel or torque measurement
4Strength
If traditional compression fittings are manufactured from austenitic stainless steel with enhanced materials, then the strength is improved, but the adaptability to certain environments is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the design parameters to work with standard commercial materials instead of requiring enhanced austenitic stainless steel. By optimizing the geometry of the circumferential teeth and annular protuberances, the coupling achieves sufficient mechanical strength and sealing performance with conventional materials, thereby expanding compatibility with NACE standards and various environmental conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention promotes material homogeneity by using standard commercial materials throughout the coupling body without requiring specialized enhanced materials. This approach allows the coupling to be manufactured from various material types including carbon steel, stainless steel, and other standard materials, providing adaptability to different environmental requirements while maintaining consistent performance
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 effectively prevents relative rotation and maintains the seal under torque, reduces assembly complexity and costs, and is compatible with a wide range of materials and environments, including those with scratches or non-precise tube dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
a compression fitting comprising an inner body or sealing member which seals against a tube
Implementation Method 2
The circumferential array of teeth penetrate the surface of the tube to a greater degree than the circumferentially adjacent recess. Part of the tooth extends into the surface of the tube creating a circumferentiailly interlocking arrangement
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6
AI summary
A coupling for attaching to art end of a tube, pipe, conduit or other round solid or hollow section comprises an inner body section (A) having an interior bore (7) passing through at least a portion thereof configured to receive a tube or the like. A collar (B) is arranged to be axially received about the inner body (A), the inner body (A) and the collar (B) being configured such that when the collar (B) is forced onto the inner body (A). It applies a circumferential compressive force to deform the body (A) Inwardly. At least one interior annular projection (5) is provided extending into the bore (7) from the inner surface of the inner body section (A). The at least one annular projection (5) defines in an axial direction one or more annular teeth arranged such that, in use, when a tube or the like is received in the bore (7) and the inner body (A) is inwardly deformed by the collar (8), the one or more annular teeth (5) engage the tube or the like to seal with it. The inner surface of the bore (7) further comprises a plurality of circumferentially arranged projections (5a) defining in a circumferential direction a series of circumferentially spaced teeth (30) axially spaced from the at least one annular protuberance (5) and configured to, in use, engage with the tube following compression of the inner body (A) by the collar (B) to prevent relative rotation between the tube and the inner body (A).