Modular Push-to-Connect Cartridge for Plumbing Fittings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing push-to-connect plumbing fittings require significant material for manufacturing and do not easily adapt to various plumbing sizes, leading to inefficiencies in production and installation.
Innovation Solution
A modular cartridge system that can be universally attached to metal plumbing fittings via welding, specifically designed to reduce material usage and adapt to different sizes by incorporating a cylindrical cup, seal, backing ring, grab ring, and containment ring, allowing for laser welding and integration with copper-based or other metal fittings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If traditional push-to-connect fittings are manufactured with integrated structure, then they can provide complete functionality, but they require significant material and have high manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting is divided into separate modular components: a reusable cartridge containing the seal and gripping mechanism, and a fitting body. This segmentation allows the cartridge to be removed and replaced to adapt to different plumbing sizes without replacing the entire fitting, thereby reducing material consumption while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge is designed as a universal component that can be attached to various fitting types (couplings, elbows, T's, valves) and sizes. By making the cartridge multi-functional and interchangeable, the system achieves adaptability to various plumbing configurations without requiring multiple specialized fittings, thus reducing overall material usage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fittings are designed for specific sizes, then they provide precise fit, but they cannot easily adapt to different plumbing sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge serves as a universal adapter that can be installed on fittings of different sizes and types. This multi-functionality allows a single cartridge design to work across multiple plumbing configurations, eliminating the need to manufacture multiple size-specific fittings and thereby reducing total material consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge is designed to be inserted into and nested within the fitting body, creating a compact integrated assembly. This nesting approach allows the adaptable cartridge to be housed within the existing fitting structure, enabling size adaptation without requiring completely separate components or excessive material.
3Ease of manufacture
If modular cartridge system is used, then material costs and weight are reduced, but welding integration is required
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical attachment method is replaced with laser welding integration. By substituting the mechanical assembly system with a welding process, the modular cartridge becomes permanently integrated to the fitting body, eliminating the need for separate attachment mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining manufacturing cost benefits.
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 modular cartridge system significantly reduces material costs and weight, enabling the production of fittings that use less material while adapting to various sizes, facilitating easier installation and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
This modular cartridge has a circular edge which can be welded in a butt joint to mating copper-based or other metal fittings... facilitating easier installation
Data Source
AI summary
A push-to-connect modular cartridge for a plumbing fitting includes a cylindrical cup having an annular surface at one end and a cylindrical shoulder at an opposite end. A circular seal is positioned against the annular surface, and a circular backing ring is positioned against the seal on a side opposite the annular surface. A grab ring including inwardly projecting tines is seated against the backing ring on a side opposite the seal, and a containment ring contacts the grab ring on a side opposite the backing ring. The containment ring is engaged by the shoulder of the cup to hold the containment ring, grab ring, backing ring, and seal together. This modular push-to-connect cartridge can be welded to a plumbing fitting which uses significantly less material, thereby greatly reducing the cost to manufacture.