Leak-Proof Fitting With Segmented Barb And Smooth Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Water system connections for appliances, particularly push-in style connections, are prone to leaking due to incomplete engagement, seal failure, and damage to O-rings during installation, leading to leakage issues.
Innovation Solution
A leak-proof connection system featuring a barb and cuff design with molded components, including sharp edges for retention and a smooth straight section to prevent long-term creep, along with overmolded attachments and shape memory properties to ensure secure engagement and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If push-in style connection with O-ring and reverse angled teeth is used, then assembly is simple and quick, but connection reliability deteriorates due to leaking from incomplete engagement, seal failure, and side loads
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional zones: a barb region with engagement features for mechanical retention, a smooth straight section for seal contact, and an enlarged shoulder for positioning. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally without interference from other regions, resolving the contradiction between simple assembly and reliable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the connector are given different geometric properties: the barb region has sharp edges for piercing and retention, the smooth straight section has a polished surface for sealing, and the enlarged shoulder provides a stopping surface. This local differentiation of qualities ensures that each part of the connector contributes to both ease of assembly and connection reliability in its specific location.
2Strength
If sharp edges are used on barb for retention, then engagement strength is improved, but harmful factors increase due to potential damage to O-ring surface during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The connector profile is segmented into a barb region with sharp edges for engagement and a separate smooth straight section that is free of sharp features. This segmentation ensures that the O-ring only contacts the smooth, non-damaging surface during installation and operation, while the sharp edges on the barb provide retention strength without touching the seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The smooth straight section acts as an intermediary between the sharp barb edges and the O-ring. It provides a protective buffer zone that prevents direct contact between the harmful sharp edges and the seal, allowing the sharp edges to maintain engagement strength while the intermediary surface protects the O-ring from damage.
3Strength
If tube end is pushed into connector with force to achieve engagement, then connection is formed, but harmful factors increase due to potential cutting or damage of O-ring surface
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with a smooth straight section that extends axially to provide a long contact surface for the O-ring. This segmented design distributes the installation forces over a larger area of the seal, preventing stress concentration that could cause cutting or damage, while still achieving strong connection formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The smooth straight section with its enlarged diameter creates a cushioning zone before the O-ring reaches the barb region. This prior cushioning effect absorbs and distributes the insertion forces, preventing the tube end from directly impacting or cutting the O-ring surface during assembly.
4Reliability
If O-ring seal is used between tube and connector, then sealing is achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to seal failure from side loads and incomplete engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The connector profile is segmented to provide both mechanical engagement features (barb with sharp edges) and a separate sealing surface (smooth straight section). This segmentation allows the O-ring to be compressed against the smooth surface for sealing while the barb provides positive mechanical engagement, ensuring both complete engagement and reliable sealing even under side loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector merges two functional elements into one component: the barb structure for mechanical retention and the smooth straight section for sealing. This merging allows both engagement completeness and sealing reliability to be achieved simultaneously in a single integrated connector design, rather than requiring separate components.
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 solution provides a reliable, leak-proof connection that maintains long-term sealing performance even under stress, preventing leaks and ensuring secure engagement without requiring excessive force during assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The portion of the tube or the overmolded attachment piece, having the bore into which the fitting is inserted, is referred to as a cuff. The cuff is secured to the fitting by shape memory.
Implementation Method 2
The overmolded attachment piece may be made from high density polyethylene which is crosslinked. Additionally or alternatively, the tubing and/or the overmolded attachment piece may be crosslinked.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and process by which a leak-proof connection with a polymeric tube is described herein. Particular embodiments of the present invention include a leak-proof connection fitting inserted into a bore of a overmolded attachment piece wherein the overmolded attachment piece is overmolded onto the polymeric tube. The leak-proof connection fitting includes multiple surfaces in various configurations. The multiple surfaces include barb(s), raised surface(s), reduced surface(s), and channel(s). O-rings may be further added to the leak-proof connection fitting. In some embodiments, the overmolded attachment piece or the tube itself is secured to the fitting by shape memory.