Disassembly Tool for Push-to-Connect Fittings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing push-to-connect fittings in plumbing require complex soldering processes for assembly and are rigid, making disassembly difficult and time-consuming, especially when dealing with flexible PEX tubing.
Innovation Solution
A hand tool with pivotally coupled bodies and semi-circular fingers that engage the pipe and fitting, allowing for axial movement of the collar to facilitate easy disassembly without adapters or reconfiguration, using biasing members and a latch mechanism to accommodate various sizes and types of fittings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If push-to-connect fittings are used to simplify connection, then ease of operation is improved, but disassembly becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The disassembly tool segments the collar into movable parts that can be independently manipulated. The collar includes a first portion and a second portion that can move relative to each other, allowing the locking mechanism to be disengaged without moving the entire fitting or pipe assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The disassembly tool acts as an intermediary device between the user and the push-to-connect fitting. It includes a body with fingers that engage the collar and pipe, translating user input into the precise movements needed to disengage the locking mechanism without requiring the user to directly manipulate the small collar components.
2Reliability
If push-to-connect fittings lock the pipe securely, then reliability is improved, but disassembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is designed with dynamic movement capability, where the first portion and second portion can move relative to each other. The disassembly tool exploits this dynamic feature by applying force to move the collar portions, which triggers the locking mechanism to disengage when the collar moves axially or rotates.
Solution Approach 2:
The disassembly process is designed to be self-service through the collar's inherent movement capability. When the disassembly tool moves the collar portions relative to each other, the collar automatically triggers the locking mechanism to release, eliminating the need for complex manual manipulation of the locking components.
3Device complexity
If a simple push-to-connect mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different fitting sizes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The disassembly tool is designed with universal applicability through adjustable components. The body includes fingers with adjustable positions and configurations, allowing the tool to engage with collars of different sizes and shapes. The tool can accommodate various fitting types including different collar geometries and locking mechanism configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool includes movable and adjustable components that can adapt to different fitting configurations. The fingers can be positioned at different locations on the collar, and the body can accommodate various collar shapes, allowing the same tool to disassemble multiple types of push-to-connect fittings without requiring tool changes.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for disassembling a pipe or tube from a push-to-connect fitting is provided. The tool includes a first body and a second body pivotally coupled to the first body. A pair of first fingers are pivotally coupled to the first body, each of the first fingers having a first semi-circular surface, the first semi-circular surfaces cooperating to engage the pipe or tube adjacent the collar. A pair of second fingers are coupled to the second body, each of the second fingers having a second semicircular surface, the second semi-circular surfaces cooperating to engage the push-to-connect fitting. Wherein when the first body is rotated from a first position to a second position, the pair of first fingers moves a fitting collar axially relative to the pipe or tube.