Modular Tube Connector Assembly for Multi-Diameter Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tube fitting assemblies are not easily adaptable to tubes of different diameters, limiting their versatility in fluid transport circuits, particularly in corrosive and high-purity applications.
Innovation Solution
A modular tube fitting assembly featuring a body with a through cavity, a ring with a support surface for the tube, and a nut that compresses the tube against a removable annular receiving part, allowing for radial and axial clamping to create a seal, with the receiving part being interchangeable to accommodate various diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed tube fitting assembly is used, then the sealing and connection are reliable, but the adaptability to tubes of different diameters is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The tube fitting assembly is divided into separate functional components: a body, a removable receiving part, and a ring. The receiving part can be detached and replaced to accommodate different tube diameters, while the body and other components remain unchanged. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to various tube sizes without redesigning the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The body and ring components are designed to work with multiple receiving parts of different dimensions. A single body can accommodate various tube diameters by simply changing the receiving part, making the overall assembly universal and multi-functional across different application scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a removable receiving part is used, then the adaptability to different tube diameters is improved, but the sealing reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving part is nested within the body cavity and secured through a precise fitting mechanism. The ring clamps down on the tube within the receiving part, creating a nested structure where each component fits tightly into the next, ensuring sealing reliability despite the removable nature of the receiving part.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving part is pre-configured with specific dimensional parameters before installation to ensure proper fit and sealing. The ring is pre-positioned to clamp the tube at the correct location, and the receiving part is designed with predetermined geometry to guarantee reliable sealing when assembled with the body.
3Reliability
If the ring clamps the tube radially and axially, then the sealing is improved, but the stress on the tube increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is designed to apply dynamic clamping force that adapts to the tube's properties. As the nut is tightened, the ring progressively clamps down on the tube, distributing the stress evenly. The flexible nature of the ring allows it to conform to the tube surface, applying just enough force to create a seal without excessive stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving part acts as an intermediary between the ring and the tube, providing a stable mounting surface for the ring. This intermediary structure distributes the clamping forces more evenly and prevents direct concentration of stress on the tube wall, reducing the risk of tube deformation or damage while maintaining effective sealing.
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 seamless connection of tubes with different diameters to the same fluid transport component without modifying the assembly, ensuring a secure and leak-proof seal, suitable for corrosive and high-purity fluids, and adaptable to changing user needs.
Implementation Method 1
a nut adapted to be screwed to the body so as to compress the curved end portion of the tube against a receiving surface in the axial direction through said ring
Implementation Method 2
the rib being adapted to clamp radially and axially in said groove to provide a seal between the body and the receiving part
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a tube connector assembly which may comprise a body (2) provided with a through cavity (30) extending in an axial direction, a ring (40) adapted to be mounted at the periphery of a useful portion of the tube and provided, at one of its ends, with a support surface (41) adapted to receive a curved end portion of the tube, a nut (60) adapted to be screwed onto the body (2) so as to compress the curved end portion of the tube against a receiving surface (54) in the axial direction via said ring (40), and an annular receiving part (50) forming the receiving surface (54) and removably mounted on the body (2).