O-Ring-Free End Nut Assembly for Compressed Air Pipe Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick-connect fittings for compressed air piping systems often rely on o-rings for sealing, which can be prone to failure and require regular maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The end nut assembly features a nut body with internal threads, a bite ring with radially inward teeth, and a spacer with flexible fingers, eliminating the need for o-rings by using the teeth and fingers to securely engage and seal the pipe segment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If o-rings are used for sealing in quick-connect fittings, then sealing capability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to o-ring failure and maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the o-ring from the sealing system entirely. Instead of using a separate o-ring component that requires maintenance, the invention integrates sealing functionality directly into the bite ring structure through its teeth configuration, which mechanically engages with the pipe to create a seal without any removable sealing elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The bite ring teeth are designed to self-adjust and self-seal during the connection process. As the fitting is screwed onto the pipe, the teeth automatically engage with the pipe surface, deform slightly to conform to the pipe geometry, and create a tight seal without requiring any additional sealing components or user intervention for maintenance.
2Device complexity
If a simple nut structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but sealing capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the single bite ring component: the teeth provide both the mechanical gripping function to secure the pipe and the sealing function to prevent air leakage. This integration eliminates the need for separate sealing components while maintaining both structural simplicity and sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bite ring teeth are designed with specific local geometric features including angled surfaces and rounded edges that concentrate force at precise contact points on the pipe. This localized force application creates effective sealing at the tooth-pipe interface while keeping the overall nut structure simple and unchanged.
3Productivity
If traditional threaded connections are used, then connection strength is improved, but connection speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bite ring teeth are pre-configured in a relaxed state that allows easy initial engagement with the pipe. As threading begins, the teeth automatically deform and lock onto the pipe surface, creating a strong mechanical bond before the threading process completes. This preliminary mechanical engagement accelerates the connection process while ensuring final connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The bite ring is designed with dynamic flexibility, allowing the teeth to deform elastically during engagement to conform to the pipe surface irregularities. This dynamic adaptation enables quick initial connection while maintaining strong, reliable bonding throughout the threaded connection process.
Data Source
AI summary
An end nut assembly comprising a nut body defining a first portion and a second portion, a first opening is adjacent the first portion and a second opening is adjacent the second portion, and an axial bore extends between the first opening and the second opening. A bite ring defines an outer ring and a plurality of teeth extends radially inwardly from the outer ring, and a spacer defines an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface defines a cavity centrally located within the spacer. The end nut assembly does not contain an o-ring.