Flow Passage Joint Structure With Opposing Threads for Tight Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow passage joint structures require significant installation space due to the need for a tube and two union nuts, making them unsuitable for installation in small spaces, particularly in manufacturing processes for semiconductors, liquid crystal devices, and organic EL devices.
Innovation Solution
A flow passage joint structure that connects two fluid devices using a single union nut with opposing right-hand and left-hand threads, eliminating the need for a tube and additional union nuts, and incorporating marking features to facilitate easy alignment and prevent thread damage during tightening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional flow passage joint structure using a tube and two union nuts is used, then reliable connection between flow passage holes is achieved, but the installation space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate union nuts and a tube into a single integrated union nut structure. The first union nut portion and second union nut portion are merged with opposing thread directions (right-hand and left-hand threads respectively), eliminating the need for a tube and reducing the number of components from three to one, thereby significantly reducing installation space while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The single union nut performs multiple functions simultaneously: it connects the first flow passage hole through its first union nut portion, connects the second flow passage hole through its second union nut portion, and provides sealing surfaces for both connections. This multi-functional design replaces the conventional three-component system, achieving space reduction without compromising connection reliability
2Area of stationary object
If opposing right-hand and left-hand threads are used in the union nut, then space is reduced and alignment is facilitated, but thread damage risk increases during tightening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by forming seal lips that protrude into the flow passage holes before tightening occurs. These seal lips engage with the flow passage holes in advance, creating a mechanical interlock that prevents relative movement and thread damage during the tightening process, thus protecting thread integrity while maintaining the space-saving opposing thread design
Solution Approach 2:
The seal lips act as a cushioning mechanism that engages beforehand to absorb and distribute tightening forces. By establishing contact and load distribution before full tightening, the seal lips prevent concentrated stresses that could damage the threads, thereby protecting thread integrity in the compact opposing-thread configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A flow passage joint structure includes: a first external thread portion formed, at an end portion of first piping block, radially outward of flow passage hole; a second external thread portion formed, at an end portion of second piping block, radially outward of flow passage hole; a union nut having a first internal thread portion to be screwed to the first external thread portion, on one side in an axial direction thereof, and having a second internal thread portion to be screwed to the second external thread portion, on another side in the axial direction thereof; and a gasket configured to seal a connection portion between the flow passage holes on a radially inner side of the union nut. The first external thread portion and the first internal thread portion are right-hand threads, and the second external thread portion and the second internal thread portion are left-hand threads.