Compression Ferrule Tube Joint for Leak-Proof Plumbing Connections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for connecting tubes in plumbing, such as welding, require expertise, are time-consuming, and pose risks like fire hazards, making them inefficient and costly.

Innovation Solution

A connection apparatus using compression nuts and ferrules to securely join tubes without welding, ensuring a leak-proof seal through sequential tightening of compression nuts and ferrules, allowing for easy assembly and cost-effective, time-efficient connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If welding is used to connect tubes, then the connection strength is improved, but the complexity of operation and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the welding process (thermal/chemical system) with a mechanical compression system using compression nuts and ferrules. The compression nut mechanically tightens the ferrule onto the tube, creating a secure connection without heat or complex procedures, thus substituting a complex thermal process with a simple mechanical one.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The ferrule acts as an intermediary component between the compression nut and the tube. It transfers the compressive force from the nut to the tube, creating a secure mechanical bond. This intermediary enables the connection strength to be achieved through simple compression rather than welding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If welding is used to connect tubes, then the connection strength is improved, but the time required and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidconnection time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the time-consuming welding process with a rapid mechanical compression operation. The compression nut can be tightened quickly by hand or with simple tools, eliminating the need for heating, melting, and cooling cycles inherent in welding, thus dramatically reducing connection time while maintaining strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system is segmented into separate functional components: the compression nut for applying force, the ferrule for creating the seal and bond, and the tube for fluid conveyance. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and assembled quickly without the integrated complexity of welding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If welding is used to connect tubes, then the connection strength is improved, but the safety risks and harmful factors increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidfire hazard
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the welding process, which involves open flames or high-temperature arcs creating fire hazards, with a cold mechanical compression system. The compression nut and ferrule create a secure connection through mechanical force alone, completely eliminating fire risks and associated safety concerns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of requiring high energy input (welding heat) into a beneficial low-energy mechanical compression system. By using the simple mechanical advantage of the threaded compression nut, it achieves strong connections without the harmful thermal effects of welding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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, cost-effective, and time-saving method for connecting tubes, eliminating the need for expert supervision and ensuring leak-proof joints without the risks associated with welding.

Implementation Method 1

a first compression nut having a first narrow portion and a first threaded portion, the first narrow portion having a first internal cavity with a first diameter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS11396963B2Device for making plumbing connections and a method of use thereof
Publication Date: 2022.07.26 SCOTT BRIAN B
  • US11396963B2 patent drawing
  • US11396963B2 patent drawing
  • US11396963B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A device for making plumbing connections is provided. The device includes a first compression nut, a second compression nut, a sleeve fitting body between the first compression nut and the second compression nut, a first ferrule between the first compression nut and the sleeve fitting body, and a second ferrule between the sleeve fitting body and the second compression nut. The first compression nut has a first narrow portion and a first threaded portion, the first narrow portion having a first internal cavity with a first diameter. The second compression nut has a second narrow portion and a second threaded portion, the second narrow portion having a second internal cavity with a second diameter. The sleeve fitting body has a threaded portion that respectively correspond to the first and second threaded portions, and a first cavity portion having the first diameter, and a second cavity portion having the second diameter.