PEX Tubing Clamp With Single-Position Compression Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current connection systems for PEX tubing with fittings require strong clamps to meet industrial standards, but existing solutions, especially metal clamps, are costly and difficult to install, while plastic clamps fail to provide sufficient and controlled compression, limiting reuse and performance.
Innovation Solution
A clamp with a single clenching position, an internal annular flange for concentrated compression, unclenching means for easy disconnection, and capping means to prevent excessive force, allowing for reliable and cost-effective connection and disconnection of PEX tubing with fittings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal clamps are used to connect PEX tubing with fittings, then the connection strength and reliability are improved, but the production cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs plastic clamps as a disposable, cost-effective alternative to expensive metal clamps. The plastic clamp is designed to be used once and then discarded, eliminating the need for costly metal materials while maintaining adequate connection strength for the application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the clamp design by incorporating a specific geometric feature (the arched sidewall with single clenching position) that changes the mechanical parameters of the clamp. This design allows the plastic material to achieve the necessary compression force and connection reliability that would otherwise require expensive metal construction.
2Reliability
If metal clamps are used to connect PEX tubing with fittings, then the connection strength and reliability are improved, but the installation complexity and tool requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable plastic clamp is designed to be installed using simple, readily available tools rather than specialized equipment. The single clenching position design allows installation with basic hand tools, eliminating the need for costly specialized installation tools required by metal clamp systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential function of metal clamps (providing connection strength) while removing the problematic aspects (need for special tools and complex installation procedures). The plastic clamp with its simplified single-position design achieves the same connection function with much simpler installation requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If plastic clamps are used to connect PEX tubing with fittings, then the production cost and installation simplicity are improved, but the compression strength and control precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the plastic clamp, specifically the arched sidewall configuration with a single clenching position. This design modification enables the plastic material to generate and maintain the necessary compression force, overcoming the typical weakness of plastic clamps while keeping production costs low.
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic clamp is designed as a disposable component that provides sufficient compression strength for its intended use lifecycle. The single clenching position ensures consistent compression force is applied, and once the connection is made, the clamp fulfills its purpose without needing to be reused or adjusted.
4Ease of manufacture
If plastic clamps are used to connect PEX tubing with fittings, then the production cost and installation simplicity are improved, but the compression control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the clamp geometry to include a single clenching position, which fundamentally changes the compression control mechanism. This single-position design eliminates the variability associated with multiple adjustment levels, providing consistent and precise compression control that is achievable with simple plastic manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential requirement of precise compression control while removing the complex multi-level adjustment mechanisms found in other designs. The single clenching position provides the necessary precision through its simplified geometry, maintaining production cost-effectiveness while achieving reliable compression control.
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 enables a strong, reliable, and cost-effective connection that meets industrial standards with minimal deformation, allowing for easy modification and extended operational life of PEX tubing connections.
Implementation Method 1
the clamps are capable of applying a considerable force that is stronger than that used for connection to flexible hoses
Implementation Method 2
the cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) tubings offer a series of advantages, such as good mechanical resistance, good temperature resistance, as well as good elastic memory
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~3b
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
Connection system to connect a PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) tubing with a fitting that includes a clamp defined by two curved sidewalls, a flexible joint, clenching means that define a unique clenching position, and an annular flange. SUMMARY Connection system, which involves low cost production and installation, to connect a PEX tubing (1), or similar, with a fitting (2) for PEX tubing, or similar; wherein said system includes a clamp (3) and is characterized in that said clamp (3) comprised of two curved sidewalls (4), a flexible joint (5) that connects a respective first end of said curved sidewalls (4), clenching means (6) that connect a respective second end of said curved sidewalls (4) and that define a unique clenching position, an annular flange (7) arranged in an internal region of said curved sidewalls (4) that are fixed in the tubing (1).