Conversion Adapter Sealing for Mixed-Thread Piping Fittings
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of semiconductor processing piping systems is exacerbated by the need for frequent maintenance and the inability to connect fittings with different thread orientations, leading to challenges in scaling down production lines while maintaining high sealing properties.
Innovation Solution
A conversion adapter is introduced, comprising a cylindrical member with a gasket and nut system that allows connection to both right- and left-hand threaded fittings, utilizing a combination of annular grooves and protrusions with internally and externally threaded portions to ensure secure sealing and compatibility with existing fittings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple fitting structure with externally threaded portions and a single nut is used to reduce size, then device complexity is reduced and productivity is improved, but adaptability deteriorates because the fitting cannot connect to existing fittings with different thread orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion adapter is designed with dual-threading capability, incorporating both right-hand and left-hand internally threaded portions within a single component. This allows the adapter to universally connect to existing fittings regardless of their thread orientation, enabling one fitting design to serve multiple connection scenarios without requiring separate fittings for different thread types
Solution Approach 2:
The conversion adapter acts as an intermediary component between the new simple fitting structure and existing fittings with different thread orientations. By positioning the adapter between these two elements, it mediates the connection incompatibility, allowing the simple fitting to interface with various existing fittings through the adapter's dual-threaded design
2Ease of operation
If fittings are simplified to enable easier assembly and disassembly for maintenance, then ease of operation is improved, but sealing properties may deteriorate without proper sealing structures
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented from the main fitting body and implemented through dedicated sealing elements (gaskets or O-rings) positioned at specific sealing surfaces. This allows the fitting structure to remain simple and easily assembled while the sealing function is handled by specialized components that ensure reliable sealing without complicating the overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
Gaskets or O-rings serve as intermediary sealing elements positioned between mating fitting surfaces. These intermediary components facilitate the sealing function without requiring complex integrated sealing structures in the fitting bodies themselves, maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliable seals
3Volume of stationary object
If the piping system is scaled down to prevent excessive growth of production lines, then volume is reduced, but the complexity of connecting fittings with different thread orientations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion adapter incorporates universal dual-threading capability within a compact design, allowing a single small component to handle multiple thread orientation scenarios. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized fittings or complex connection mechanisms, reducing overall piping system volume while maintaining connection simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The conversion adapter merges multiple threading functions (right-hand and left-hand threads) into a single integrated component. By combining these functions rather than using separate fittings for each thread type, the overall piping system volume is reduced while connection complexity is simplified
Data Source
AI summary
A first peripheral wall end portion of a conversion adapter is connected to a tubular body across a gasket, and has either an annular protrusion to be pressed into an annular groove on a side surface of the gasket, or an annular groove to allow an annular protrusion projecting from a side surface of the gasket to be pressed thereinto. The first peripheral wall end portion has either an internally threaded portion to allow an externally threaded portion of the tubular body to be screwed thereinto, or an externally threaded portion to allow a nut to be screwed thereonto. The nut also allows an externally threaded portion of the tubular body to be screwed thereinto. A second peripheral wall end portion of the conversion adapter has an externally threaded portion to allow another nut to be screwed thereonto, and then, to allow the sleeve to make contact with the inside.