Conduit Coupling Spin Weld Engagement for Fluid-Tight Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing couplings for fluid systems, such as irrigation systems, require time-consuming and messy processes like primer and glue application or threaded attachments, leading to unreliable connections.
Innovation Solution
A coupling system featuring a spin weld engagement with a gripping ring, support ring, and O-ring, which securely retains these components within a recessed region, providing a reliable and efficient fluid-tight connection without the need for primer or threaded attachments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If primer and glue are used to attach conduits, then connection reliability is improved, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding system (primer and glue) with a mechanical retention system. The coupling uses an O-ring seal combined with a retention mechanism featuring ledges and recesses that mechanically hold the conduit end, eliminating the need for chemical adhesives while achieving both reliable connection and rapid installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling is divided into distinct functional segments: an O-ring for sealing, ledges for mechanical retention, and recesses for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, contributing to overall reliability without requiring time-consuming integration steps.
2Productivity
If threaded or barbed fittings are used, then installation speed is improved, but connection integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The O-ring serves as an intermediary sealing element between the coupling and conduit. This mediator provides a fluid-tight seal without requiring threaded or barbed mechanical fastening, thus maintaining both installation speed and connection integrity by decoupling the sealing function from the mechanical attachment function.
3Ease of operation
If known couplings are used, then conduit attachment is achieved, but installation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated coupling structure: the O-ring provides sealing, the ledges provide mechanical retention, and the recesses provide positioning. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate components or complex assembly steps, simplifying both the device structure and the installation process while maintaining ease of conduit attachment.
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 coupling system enables rapid and reliable attachment of conduits to components, ensuring a fluid-tight seal with improved connection integrity and reduced installation time, as demonstrated by increased burst pressures in spin weld engagement compared to sonic welding.
Implementation Method 1
The second member may be in spin weld engagement with the first member
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling may be configured to receive and secure an insertion end of a conduit. An outer surface of the insertion end of the conduit may be smooth and free of grooves, flanges and beads. A first member of the coupling may define a first passageway. A second member of the coupling may define a second passageway. The first member may be in engagement with the second member. A gripping ring having an inner edge defining a series of teeth may be disposed within the second member. A support ring and O-ring may also be disposed within the second member.