CSST Crimp Fitting Alignment for Gas-Tight Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas and liquid piping systems using corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) face challenges in achieving a gas-tight seal and efficient installation, particularly under elevated pressures, due to the need for complex fittings and tools that require multiple wrenches and disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A kit comprising annular corrugated stainless steel tubing and a fitting with annular crimping grooves and alignment features, allowing for a crimping jaw to form a gas-tight seal without disassembly or reassembly, using a crimping jaw with bosses and grooves that align with corrugation valleys and grooves on the nipple, facilitating easy installation and eliminating the need for additional wrenches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rigid black iron piping systems are used, then connection reliability is improved, but installation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting is segmented into distinct functional zones: an insertion receptacle for receiving the CSST, annular crimping grooves for sealing, and external threading for connection. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall installation process while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional multi-wrench mechanical connection systems with a single-wrench crimping system. The crimping jaws apply radial force to deform the CSST over the annular grooves, creating a gas-tight seal without requiring multiple wrenches or complex disassembly procedures.
2Reliability
If complex fittings and tools are used, then seal reliability is improved, but installation speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The annular crimping grooves are pre-formed in the fitting during manufacturing, positioned at optimal locations to ensure gas-tight sealing. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex field operations and multiple tools, allowing installers to achieve reliable seals quickly with a single crimping action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sealing mechanism from threaded mechanical engagement to radial crimping deformation. By applying radial force through the crimping jaws, the CSST is deformed over the annular grooves, creating a gas-tight seal that is both reliable and achievable with simple tools, thereby increasing installation speed.
3Strength
If multiple wrenches and disassembly are required, then connection strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: the insertion receptacle, annular crimping grooves for sealing, and external threading for structural connection. This consolidation allows the installer to achieve both sealing and structural connection in a single operation using one wrench, improving ease of operation while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The crimping process is designed to be self-aligning and self-sealing. The annular grooves are positioned to automatically align with the CSST corrugations during insertion, and the crimping action simultaneously creates the gas-tight seal and structural connection, eliminating the need for multiple adjustment steps or additional tools.
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect of the invention provides a method including: obtaining a kit as described herein; advancing a cut end of the length of CSST over the nipple of the fitting; placing the crimping jaw over the cut end of the length of CSST and the fitting such that: the one or more alignment bosses are seated within the one or more alignment grooves; the one or more crimping points are seated within one or more of the corrugation valleys; and the one or more crimping points and the corrugation valleys are radially over the one or more annular corrugation grooves; and applying force to the crimping jaws, thereby forming a gas-tight seal between the cut end of the CSST and the fitting.