Membrane Fitting With Resilient Insert For Serviceable Fluid Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing membrane fittings face challenges such as difficulty in servicing due to early-stage attachment, material compatibility issues, and potential fluid leakage from removable fittings, as well as high manufacturing costs due to tight tolerances.
Innovation Solution
A fitting with a mounting adaptor and a resiliently deformable part that secures an insert, allowing for different types of inserts to be used and replaced, featuring a flange with an annular channel and weld areas for secure attachment, and a flexible design to enhance sealing and resistance to pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If fittings are non-removably fitted during manufacture (first type), then structural integrity is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting is divided into two separable components: a mounting adaptor that remains permanently attached to the membrane structure, and a removable insert that can be easily replaced. This segmentation allows the structural mounting portion to maintain integrity while the functional insert portion can be serviced independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting adaptor is pre-fitted to the membrane during manufacture with a resiliently deformable part designed to later receive and hold an insert. This preliminary preparation enables easy replacement of inserts without requiring removal or modification of the mounting adaptor itself.
2Ease of repair
If threaded flanges with adapters are used (second type), then ease of repair is improved, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The resiliently deformable part is designed with a curved or contoured shape that complements the insert geometry, creating a snap-fit engagement. This curved design provides inherent retention force to prevent accidental removal while allowing intentional installation and replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The resiliently deformable part changes its physical state from a deformed condition during insert installation to a recovered condition that exerts gripping force on the insert. This parameter change in elasticity provides reliable retention without requiring threads or additional fastening mechanisms.
3Reliability
If close tolerances are used for threaded components, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The resiliently deformable part concentrates the retention function in a localized elastic engagement zone, eliminating the need for precision-machined threads throughout the entire component. Only the specific engagement area requires precise dimensional control, while the rest of the components can be manufactured with standard tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional threaded mechanical connection system is replaced with an elastic snap-fit mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for precision threading and tapping operations, replacing them with simpler molding or forming processes that are easier and less expensive to manufacture.
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
Enables easy servicing and replacement of inserts, improves material compatibility, reduces manufacturing costs, and enhances the structural integrity and sealing efficiency of membrane fittings.
Implementation Method 1
when the mounting adaptor is secured to said structure it is exposed to a force of a fluid held within the structure urging the mounting adaptor into gripping engagement with the insert
Implementation Method 2
a resiliently deformable part associated with said mounting adaptor and arranged to embrace and hold an initially separate insert
Data Source
AI summary
Fitting for attachment to a membrane of an inflatable device comprises a mounting adapter (1) to be secured to said membrane. A resiliently deformable part (5c) associated with said mounting adapter is arranged to embrace and hold an initially separate insert (2). The resiliently deformable part (5c) is arranged such that when the mounting adapter is secured to the membrane and exposed to a force exerted by fluid at one of two sides of the membrane, the resiliently deformable part is urged into applying engagement with the insert (2). A variety of different inserts (2) having different valve arrangements can be held by the mounting adapter.