One-Piece Double Containment Fitting for Leak-Stable Tube Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional double containment fittings for piping systems are prone to leaks and instability due to their assembly from multiple separate pieces, which can lead to fluid leakage and disconnection issues.
Innovation Solution
A double containment fitting designed as a one-piece integral structure with an outer cylinder, inner cylinder, and integral ribs, forming separate flow paths to prevent leaks and ensure secure connections between inner and outer tubes, allowing for fluid flow without leakage and accommodating potential leaks through secondary flow paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional double containment fittings are made from multiple separate pieces, then the fittings can be assembled from individual components, but fluid leakage occurs at the intersections of separate pieces and the fittings become loose and unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate fitting components into a single integrated fitting structure that simultaneously connects multiple double containment pipes. This integration eliminates the interfaces between separate pieces where leakage typically occurs, while maintaining the ability to assemble the fitting from standardized pipe components. The single fitting body provides unified structural support and fluid containment for all connected pipes.
2Reliability
If a single integrated fitting structure is used, then fluid leakage is prevented and stability is improved, but the complexity of the fitting structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated fitting is segmented into distinct functional zones including separate receiving openings for inner tubes and outer tubes, dedicated flow paths for primary and secondary containment, and structured connection interfaces. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function efficiently while the overall structure remains unified, reducing the complexity burden of integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The single fitting structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it connects multiple inner tubes, connects multiple outer tubes, provides primary fluid flow pathways, provides secondary containment flow pathways, and maintains structural stability. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate components into one unified element.
Data Source
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AI summary
A double containment fitting for engagement with double containment pipes and comprising a one-piece integral structure having at least one outer cylinder having at least two outer receiving openings, at least one inner cylinder having at least two inner receiving openings, and a plurality of ribs integral with and spacing the at least one outer cylinder from the at least one inner cylinder, thereby forming an inner fitting flow area within the inner cylinder and forming an outer fitting flow area between the at least one outer cylinder and the at least one inner cylinder and between adjacent ribs. Each inner tube of the double containment pipes are connected to the double containment fitting by being located within one of the inner receiving openings. Each outer tube of the double containment pipes are connected to the double containment fitting by being located within one of the outer receiving openings.