Integral Double Containment Fitting for Leak-Resistant Pipe Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional double containment fittings for piping systems are prone to leaks and instability due to their assembly from multiple separate pieces, which can lead to fluid leakage and disconnection issues.
Innovation Solution
A double containment fitting designed as a one-piece integral structure with an outer cylinder, inner cylinder, and integral ribs, forming inner and outer flow areas to prevent leaks and ensure secure connections between inner and outer tubes, allowing fluid to flow through without leakage and accommodating secondary flow if leakage occurs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional double containment fittings are made from multiple separate pieces, then the fittings can be assembled and disassembled, but fluid leakage and disconnection issues occur at the intersections of separate pieces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate fitting pieces into a single integrated fitting structure. The inner fitting and outer fitting are combined into one piece that includes both an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder as integral components, eliminating the interfaces between separate pieces where leaks typically occur. This integrated structure maintains assembly capability while preventing leakage at connection points.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional double containment fittings use multiple separate pieces, then manufacturing and assembly are flexible, but the fittings become loose and unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting structure combines the inner fitting and outer fitting into a single integrated component. The inner cylinder and outer cylinder are manufactured as one piece, providing structural stability and preventing the fitting from becoming loose during operation, while still allowing for assembly and disassembly of the fitting with the tubing.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated fitting structure incorporates pre-formed receiving openings for both inner and outer tubes, along with integral spacers and sealing surfaces that are built-in during manufacturing. This preliminary structuring ensures stable connections without requiring multiple separate components that could become loose.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fittings have separate pieces, then complex fluid flow paths can be accommodated, but leakage occurs at the intersections of separate pieces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the inner fitting and outer fitting into a single structure that can accommodate complex fluid flow paths. The integrated design includes receiving openings for multiple tubes and internal flow channels that guide fluid through the fitting without exposing fluid to interfaces between separate pieces, thereby preventing leakage while maintaining flow path versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A double containment fitting for engagement with double containment pipes and comprising a one-piece integral structure having at least one outer cylinder having at least two outer receiving openings, at least one inner cylinder having at least two inner receiving openings, and a plurality of ribs integral with and spacing the at least one outer cylinder from the at least one inner cylinder, thereby forming an inner fitting flow area within the inner cylinder and forming an outer fitting flow area between the at least one outer cylinder and the at least one inner cylinder and between adjacent ribs. Each inner tube of the double containment pipes are connected to the double containment fitting by being located within one of the inner receiving openings. Each outer tube of the double containment pipes are connected to the double containment fitting by being located within one of the outer receiving openings.