Fitting Assembly Grip Ring Seal Element Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid conduit joining systems, such as those for copper tubing, are costly and lack effective sealing and retention mechanisms, leading to potential leaks and reduced burst pressure ratings.
Innovation Solution
A fitting assembly featuring a grip ring with resilient teeth, a seal element, and a spacing element made of compressible materials, which provide multiple contact points for enhanced sealing and retention, and can be combined into a single element for improved performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing joining systems are used, then the cost is reduced, but the sealing performance and retention mechanism are insufficient leading to potential leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into distinct functional segments: a grip ring with resilient teeth for mechanical retention, a seal element for fluid sealing, and a spacing element for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall system reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal element and spacing element are positioned within the annular cavity formed by the fitting body and structure, with the grip ring surrounding the structure. This nested arrangement allows multiple sealing and retention mechanisms to coexist in a compact configuration, improving sealing performance without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Strength
If existing joining systems are used, then the device simplicity is maintained, but the burst pressure rating is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The grip ring, seal element, and spacing element are pre-positioned in the annular cavity before final assembly. The resilient teeth of the grip ring are pre-configured to engage the exterior surface of the structure, and the seal element is pre-positioned to contact both the structure and fitting body interior surface. This preliminary arrangement ensures optimal sealing and retention under high burst pressure without requiring complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient material properties of the seal element and spacing element allow them to deform and adapt under pressure, maintaining sealing contact points as pressure increases. This parameter change (deformation) enables the system to withstand higher burst pressures while maintaining a relatively simple assembly structure.
3Reliability
If existing joining systems are used, then the installation simplicity is maintained, but the retention mechanism is insufficient leading to potential leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient teeth of the grip ring automatically engage with the exterior surface of the structure upon insertion, providing self-retention without requiring additional fastening operations. The seal element similarly self-seals by contacting both the structure and fitting body interior surface, maintaining reliability while preserving installation simplicity.
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
The assembly provides improved sealing and retention, maintaining the longitudinal position of the grip ring and seal elements, increasing the burst pressure rating and reducing the likelihood of leaks, even at high pressures or during accidental perforation.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of first teeth are resiliently coupled to the ring body
Implementation Method 2
The seal element extends radially across the height of the annular cavity such that the seal element contacts and sealingly engages the exterior surface of the structure and the interior surface of the insertion end of the fitting body
Implementation Method 3
The spacing element also extends radially across the height of the annular cavity such that the spacing element contacts and sealingly engages the exterior surface of the structure and the interior surface of the insertion end of the fitting body
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly having a fitting body, a structure, an annular cavity within the fitting body, a grip ring, a seal element, and a spacing element. The structure has an end that is received in the fitting body. The annular cavity is disposed within the fitting body between an interior surface of the fitting body and an exterior surface of the structure. The grip ring, seal element, and spacing element are disposed in the annular cavity in a side-by-side relationship. The grip ring includes a plurality of first teeth that engage the exterior surface of the structure. Both the seal element and the spacing element extend radially across a height of the annular cavity such that the seal element and the spacing element each contact and sealingly engage the exterior surface of the structure and the interior surface of the fitting body.