Locking Ring Pipe Fitting for Fast Permanent Pressure-Safe Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current piping systems face challenges such as time-consuming installation, requirement of specialized tools, and uncertainty in connection reliability due to intensive preparation and long cooling/airing times for welded and adhesive connectors, as well as complexity in plug-in connectors and half-shell fittings.
Innovation Solution
A fitting with a locking ring that allows radial movement in one axial position and prevents radial movement in another, featuring a latching element and sealing element for secure, non-detachable pipe connections, which can be easily installed without additional tools and maintains the connection even under pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If welded connectors or adhesive fittings are used, then connection reliability is achieved, but installation time increases significantly due to intensive preparation and long cooling/airing times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal welding processes or chemical adhesive bonding with a purely mechanical locking system. The retaining element with latching hooks engages with corresponding latching elements on the pipe, creating a secure mechanical connection that eliminates the need for cooling or airing times while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting is divided into distinct functional components: a base body, a retaining element with latching hooks, and a locking ring with locking means. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, enabling rapid assembly without the time-consuming processes required by welded or adhesive connections.
2Loss of time
If plug-in connectors are used, then installation time is reduced, but connection reliability decreases due to lack of pre-installation and alignment possibilities
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element is pre-assembled with the base body in the correct alignment and position before installation. The latching hooks are pre-positioned to engage with the pipe's latching elements, eliminating the need for on-site alignment adjustments while maintaining connection reliability through the precise pre-established mechanical interface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If half-shell fittings are used, then connection flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases due to multi-part design and requirement of expensive grooving tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the base body, retaining element, and locking mechanism into a single integrated fitting unit. The retaining element with latching hooks is built into the base body, and the locking ring with locking means provides the securing function, eliminating the need for separate grooving tools and multi-part assemblies while maintaining connection flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A fitting for permanently connecting to at least one tube, the fitting including: a main body; a retaining element which has locking elements for locking to a corresponding locking element of the tube to be connected; a sealing element; and a blocking ring, the blocking ring allowing movement of the retaining element in the radial direction in a first axial position and preventing movement of the retaining element outwards in the radial direction in a second axial position.