Crimp Ring Bead Geometry for Leak-Tight Flexible Tubing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Polymeric pipes and tubes require crimp rings for secure connections to fittings, but existing crimping technologies can puncture sterile bags and may not provide adequate pressure relief, leading to deformation of the tubes.
Innovation Solution
A crimp ring system with a metallic body and crimp dies that compress the ring onto the tube, creating an annular bead for pressure relief and a positive mechanical lock, while maintaining a smooth exterior to prevent bag puncture, using a crimp die set with specific curved contact surfaces and guide fingers to form the crimped configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional crimping technologies are used to secure polymeric pipes and tubes to fittings, then the connection strength is improved, but the tubes may be punctured and sterile bags may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The crimp ring is designed with differentiated surface properties: an exterior surface that remains smooth to prevent puncturing sterile bags, and an interior surface that is textured or shaped to provide friction and mechanical interlocking with the tube. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between achieving strong connections and preventing damage to the tube and packaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The crimp ring acts as an intermediary element between the crimping tool and the tube/sterile bag system. By designing the ring with specific geometric features (such as rounded exterior surfaces and interior gripping structures), it mediates the crimping force to achieve secure connection without transmitting harmful stress concentrations that would puncture the tube or bag.
2Strength
If conventional crimping methods are applied to secure tubes to fittings, then the mechanical connection is strengthened, but the tubes may deform due to inadequate pressure relief
Solution Approach 1:
The crimping process is segmented into distinct zones along the crimp ring: a compression zone that applies force to secure the connection, and a pressure relief zone (annular bead) that distributes excess pressure. This segmentation allows the connection to be strengthened while preventing deformation by isolating the pressure relief function in a dedicated region.
Solution Approach 2:
The crimp ring geometry is designed with varying parameters along its circumference, including changes in cross-sectional shape (from circular to flattened with annular bead formation) and surface texture. These parameter changes enable different regions of the ring to perform different functions: securing the connection in some areas while providing pressure relief in others, thus preventing tube deformation.
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 provides a secure, leak-tight connection and prevents deformation of the tubes, while ensuring the crimp rings do not puncture sterile bags, ensuring the integrity of the packaging and the connection.
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
Implementation Method 2
creating a positive mechanical lock and a liquid tight seal
Data Source
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.