Non-detachable Fluid Fitting with Segmented Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-detachable connections for fluid lines cause turbulence and pressure drops due to narrowing of the flow cross-section and are not suitable for composite pipes, as they can expose the connection points of different materials to fluids, leading to cohesion impairment and sealing issues.
Innovation Solution
A non-detachable connection design featuring a base body, outer body, and support body with a groove and sealing surface, a sleeve with latching projections and slots, and a tube with fixing projections, where the sleeve encloses the tube end under pretension, forming a frictional connection and ensuring sealing without additional elements, suitable for composite pipes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a support body with a sealing element is used to create a non-detachable connection, then sealing is achieved, but the flow cross-section is narrowed causing turbulence and pressure drop
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into distinct functional components: the support body provides structural engagement, the sealing body specifically handles sealing without obstructing flow, and the sleeve provides additional support. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function optimally without the flow obstruction problems of integrated designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is extracted from the support body and placed in a separate sealing body. This allows the support body to maintain structural integrity and engagement while the sealing body can be positioned to seal without narrowing the flow path, thus eliminating turbulence and pressure drop caused by bulky support structures.
2Reliability
If a sealing element is added to ensure tightness, then sealing reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support body and sealing body are combined into a single integrated component with the sealing element built-in. This merging eliminates the need for separate sealing elements that would require additional installation steps and maintenance, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable sealing through the integrated design.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If an outer body is used to minimize flow cross-section narrowing, then flow behavior improves, but composite pipes are not suitable due to fluid contact with pipe edges
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing body acts as an intermediary element that seals against the pipe end without requiring direct fluid contact with the pipe's abutting edges. This intermediary sealing mechanism protects the composite pipe's layered structure from fluid exposure while still achieving effective sealing, thus maintaining compatibility with composite pipes while minimizing flow obstruction.
4Reliability
If the support body is molded into the pipe to improve sealing, then sealing effectiveness increases, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support body is pre-formed with the sealing surface and sealing element integrated before installation. This preliminary preparation allows the sealing component to be manufactured separately with precise sealing features, then installed in a simple insertion operation that molds it into the pipe. This approach achieves effective sealing while keeping the manufacturing process simple and modular.
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 design provides a reliable seal for pressurized fluids, minimizes flow cross-section narrowing, and prevents fluid contact with composite pipe edges, ensuring stability and reducing turbulence and pressure drops, while being adaptable for composite pipes with different materials.
Implementation Method 1
The tightness of the connection is brought about by the preferably elastic sealing element protruding from the groove, which is compressed between the inner peripheral surface of the pipe and the groove of the support body and thus rests sealingly on the two surfaces.
Implementation Method 2
the latching groove and the latching projection causing a frictional connection
Implementation Method 3
the sleeve enclosing a tube end under pretension, the tube end engaging with the sleeve under pretension in the groove
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a
AI summary
The fitting (2) has an outer body (6) including a locking groove (16) at an inner peripheral surface. A support body (8) comprises a sealing surface (20) inclined against an axial direction of the fitting at an outer peripheral surface. A groove (14) is formed between the outer and support bodies. A thickness of the outer body is radially inwardly increased between a distal end of the outer body and the locking groove. The outer body overlaps the support body in the axial direction, where the support body and a base body are formed as a two-piece. An independent claim is also included for a sleeve for a fluid line pipe, including a locking projection.