Metal Screw Fitting Radial Compression Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pipe fittings for gas pipes face issues with high wear, compatibility limitations, and the need for specialized tools and expertise, leading to reduced pneumatic sealing over time and potential gas leakage.

Innovation Solution

A metal screw fitting comprising a ring nut, threaded coupling end member, and clamping element made of metal, which provides a tool-free, easy-to-use solution for gas pipes, achieving permanent mechanical and pneumatic sealing without elastomeric gaskets, using radial compression and deformation to form a unitary assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If elastomeric gaskets are used for sealing, then pneumatic sealing is achieved, but compatibility is limited to certain gas types and wear occurs over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepneumatic sealingVSAvoidgas type compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the elastomeric gasket from the sealing system, replacing it with a metal-to-metal sealing mechanism using conical surfaces. This removes the compatibility limitations and wear issues associated with elastomeric materials while maintaining effective pneumatic sealing for all gas types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the material parameter from elastomeric to metal, and changes the sealing mechanism parameter from contact sealing to conical compression sealing. This transformation enables universal gas compatibility and eliminates wear-related degradation of sealing performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If folders are obtained by deforming the pipe or soldering is performed, then mechanical sealing is achieved, but specialized tools and technical expertise are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical sealingVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fitting system is designed to be self-installing through simple screwing operations. The conical clamping element automatically deforms the pipe and creates the seal when the ring nut is screwed on, eliminating the need for specialized tools or expert techniques while maintaining reliable mechanical sealing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If conventional fittings are used, then initial sealing is achieved, but pneumatic sealing reduces over time leading to gas leakage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinitial sealingVSAvoidsealing durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the ring nut can be screwed to progressively tighten the conical clamping element on the pipe. This allows the sealing surfaces to maintain optimal contact pressure over time, compensating for any settlement or thermal expansion and preventing sealing degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite structure combining the conical clamping element, ring nut, and internal/external sealing surfaces. This multi-component metal system creates a robust, wear-resistant sealing interface that maintains its integrity and sealing capability throughout the service life of the piping system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Reliability

If rigid bushing and metal core are radially compressed, then mechanical sealing is guaranteed, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical sealingVSAvoidfitting structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the functions of the rigid bushing and metal core into a single integrated conical clamping element. This unified component performs both the mechanical clamping and sealing functions, simplifying the overall fitting structure while maintaining reliable mechanical sealing through radial compression of the pipe.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 ensures long-lasting, high-quality sealing for gas pipes, independent of gas type, eliminating the need for specialized tools and reducing the risk of gas leakage, while maintaining mechanical and pneumatic integrity over time.

Implementation Method 1

the clamping element (10) and the ring nut (30) are radially compressed to guarantee the mechanical sealing on the pipe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadial compression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

with the formation of a gripping groove on the pipe, said groove having an annular shape

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 3

said screwing promoting the radial compression of the clamping element (10) on the pipe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3583342B1A screw fitting for a gas pipe made of metal material
Publication Date: 2020.07.08 TAPEL DI MASTROMATTEO CIRO & C S A S
  • EP3583342B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP3583342B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2F
  • EP3583342B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4A

AI summary

A screw fitting for a gas pipe (P) comprising a threaded coupling end member (40) having a suitably shaped inner portion, mutually couplable with a ring nut (30). The fitting further comprises a clamping element (10) coaxially interposed therebetween. Such clamping element (10) comprises at least one pair of clamps (11) susceptible to be mechanically coupled with the pipe (P) upon the mutual screwing of ring nut (30) and the threaded coupling end member (40). Following such mechanical connection, the mutual coupling between the ring nut (30) and the threaded coupling end member (40) promotes the axial translation of the pipe (P) and the radial and axial compression thereof to guarantee a double pneumatic sealing.