Extended Spacer End Nut Assembly for O-Ring-Free Pipe Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a quick-to-connect fitting in compressed air piping systems that does not rely on o-rings for effective and efficient engagement of pipe segments to couplings, as existing solutions often require o-rings for sealing, which can be cumbersome and prone to leaks.
Innovation Solution
The end nut assembly features a nut body with internal threads, a bite ring with radially inward teeth, and a spacer with varying thickness portions, where the spacer extends into the nut body's threaded portion and the bite ring engages the pipe segment, creating a secure connection without the need for o-rings by using the spacer's tapered sections and flexible fingers to restrict movement and create a seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an o-ring is used for sealing in the coupling connection, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to cumbersome installation and leak susceptibility
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the o-ring from the coupling connection system. Instead of using an o-ring for sealing, the patent employs a direct metal-to-metal contact interface between the coupling and pipe end cap, where the coupling bore directly receives the pipe end cap without any intermediate sealing element. This removes the complexity and reliability issues associated with o-ring installation and sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a threaded connection mechanism as an intermediary between the coupling and pipe end cap. The internal threads in the coupling bore engage with external threads on the pipe end cap, providing both mechanical fastening and sealing through the threaded interface itself, eliminating the need for separate sealing components.
2Reliability
If an o-ring is used for sealing, then sealing is provided, but ease of operation worsens due to cumbersome installation and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The o-ring is completely removed from the system. The coupling connection relies on direct threaded engagement between metal components, eliminating the need for rubber or elastomeric sealing elements that require careful installation, orientation, and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded connection mechanism provides self-aligning and self-sealing properties. The threads guide the components into proper alignment during assembly, and the metal-to-metal contact automatically provides sealing without requiring additional sealing elements that need manual installation and positioning.
3Productivity
If a quick-to-connect fitting is implemented, then productivity is improved, but reliability may worsen due to potential connection issues
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe end cap is pre-threaded with external threads, and the coupling bore is pre-formed with internal threads. This preliminary preparation of threading allows for rapid threaded connection without requiring complex alignment procedures or additional sealing components during the actual connection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional mechanical sealing system (using o-rings and sealing surfaces) with a threaded mechanical fastening system. The threaded connection provides both the quick-connect functionality and the reliable sealing through the interlocking threads and metal-to-metal contact, eliminating the need for separate sealing mechanisms.
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
This configuration allows for a secure, leak-proof connection of pipe segments to couplings without o-rings, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of compressed air piping systems by eliminating the need for o-rings and reducing component complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a bite ring defining an outer ring and a plurality of teeth extending radially inwardly from the outer ring; wherein the second spacer portion extends into a threaded portion of the nut body
Data Source
AI summary
An end nut assembly may include 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. An axial bore extends between the first opening and the second opening. An end nut assembly may also include a bite ring defining an outer ring and a plurality of teeth extending radially inwardly from the outer ring. An end nut assembly may further include a spacer defining an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines a cavity centrally located within the spacer. The spacer defines a first spacer portion with a first thickness and a second spacer portion with a second thickness that is less than the first thickness. The second spacer portion extends into a threaded portion of the nut body.