Crimp Ring Geometry for Flexible Tubing Seals Without Bag Puncture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Polymeric pipes and tubes require effective securing methods to fittings without causing deformation or puncturing of sterile packaging, as conventional crimping tools can be too aggressive and damage sealed bags.

Innovation Solution

A crimp ring system using metallic crimp rings with a crimp die set that compresses the rings onto non-metallic flexible tubes, creating a positive mechanical lock and liquid-tight seal while minimizing stress on the tube and preventing deformation, and featuring an annular bead for pressure relief and a smooth exterior to avoid puncturing sealed bags.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional crimping tools are used to secure polymeric pipes and tubes to fittings, then the tubes are effectively held in place, but the tools can puncture or damage sterile sealed bags during transportation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecuring effectivenessVSAvoidpuncture risk to sealed bags

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The crimp ring is designed with a smooth exterior surface that acts as a protective interface between the crimping mechanism and the sealed bag. This smooth surface prevents concentration of stress points that would otherwise puncture the bag, while still allowing effective crimping of the tube to the fitting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The crimp ring structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: an interior surface with features for gripping the tube, an exterior surface for smooth contact with sealed bags, and specific geometric profiles for effective crimping. This segmentation allows each surface to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the others.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If aggressive crimping force is applied to secure the tube, then the mechanical lock is stronger, but the tube or sealed bag may deform or puncture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical lock strengthVSAvoidtube integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The crimp ring incorporates local quality variations through its interior and exterior surface features. The interior surface has specific profiles for gripping and crimping the tube securely, while the exterior surface maintains a smooth, uniform profile that distributes stress evenly and prevents deformation or puncturing of the sealed bag.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The smooth exterior surface of the crimp ring acts as a pre-established protective barrier that cushions and distributes crimping forces before they can reach the sealed bag. This preventive design feature ensures that even during aggressive crimping operations, the bag remains protected from deformation or puncture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the crimp ring has a smooth exterior surface, then the risk of puncturing sealed bags is reduced, but the gripping force on the tube may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepuncture risk reductionVSAvoidgripping force on tube

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The crimp ring employs local quality differentiation by providing a smooth exterior surface for protecting sealed bags while the interior surface features specific profiles and textures for maximizing gripping force on the tube. This localized functional differentiation resolves the contradiction between smoothness and grip effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 system securely connects non-metallic flexible tubes to fittings with a mechanical lock and liquid-tight seal, preventing deformation of the tube and maintaining the sterility of sealed bags by reducing the risk of puncture during transportation.

Implementation Method 1

at least one crimp die is used to crimp or compress the crimp ring onto an end of the non-metallic flexible tube and around the fitting

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

creating a positive mechanical lock and liquid tight seal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS20230160503A1Methods and apparatus for using crimp rings on flexible tubing

Publication Date: 2023.05.25 OVERLOOK INDUSTRIES INC

AI summary

A crimping tool for crimping a metallic crimp ring. The crimping tool includes a first crimp die having a first curved contact surface and a second curved contact surface, the second curved contact surface spaced apart from the first curved contact surface, and a trench extending between the first curved contact surface and the second curved contact surface. The crimping tool also includes a second crimp die cooperatively engageable with the first crimp die having a first curved contact surface and a second curved contact surface, the second curved contact surface spaced apart from the first curved contact surface, and a trench extending between the first curved contact surface and the second curved contact surface. The trench of the first crimp die and the trench of the second crimp die forms an annular bead in a center portion of the metallic crimp ring.