Pipe Connector With Stacked Sealing Members and Locking Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe connection methods, such as soldering, are time-consuming, labor-intensive, hazardous, and pose fire risks, especially in confined spaces, and cannot be used when pipes contain moisture, as solder does not flow properly due to steam pressure.
Innovation Solution
A pipe connector design featuring a housing body with stacked sealing members and a locking member that forms a one-way stop, allowing for quick and secure connection of pipes without soldering, using a segmented collar or swage configuration to prevent backflow and accommodate various pipe types and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If soldering is used to connect pipe and fitting, then a fluid-tight seal is achieved, but the connection process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal soldering process with a mechanical compression system. A compression fitting with a compression ring and body applies radial force to deform the pipe against a sealing surface, creating a fluid-tight seal through mechanical pressure rather than thermal bonding. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming heating and cooling cycles of soldering while maintaining seal reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the sealing function from the thermal soldering process and isolates it into a dedicated compression mechanism. The compression ring and fitting body work together as a separate sealing system that can be applied independently of heating equipment, allowing faster installation while ensuring reliable fluid-tight connections.
2Reliability
If soldering is used to connect pipe and fitting, then a secure connection is achieved, but the process becomes hazardous and presents fire danger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the open flame soldering process with a cold mechanical compression system. The compression fitting uses a compression ring that deforms under radial load to create a seal against the fitting body, eliminating the need for fire hazards while maintaining connection security through mechanical interlocking and compression forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potential harm of fire hazards into benefit by using the compression force itself as the beneficial mechanism. The radial compression applied to the pipe is transformed into a secure mechanical bond and fluid-tight seal, turning what could be a dangerous thermal process into a safe mechanical one.
3Reliability
If soldering is used to connect pipe and fitting, then a permanent seal is achieved, but the process cannot be performed when pipe contains moisture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the moisture-sensitive thermal soldering process with a moisture-insensitive mechanical compression system. The compression fitting creates a seal through physical deformation and contact pressure that is unaffected by the presence of moisture in the pipe, allowing installation in conditions where soldering would fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of the sealing mechanism from thermal (soldering temperature) to mechanical (compression force). This parameter change makes the sealing process independent of moisture conditions, as mechanical compression can be applied regardless of whether the pipe contains water or vapor, whereas soldering requires complete drying to prevent steam generation.
4Reliability
If traditional fitting with opening is used to receive pipe, then connection is achieved, but the process requires precise alignment and positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment capability through the compression mechanism. The compression ring can be deformed progressively as the fitting is assembled, allowing the pipe to be drawn into proper alignment automatically during the compression process. This dynamic deformation replaces static precision alignment requirements, making installation easier while maintaining connection stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible connection system includes one or more pipe connectors coupled to a section of flexible hose. A pipe connector includes a housing body defining an axial bore arranged to receive a length of pipe. A plurality of sealing members are positionable in a stacked configuration within the axial bore. The sealing members define a first opening through which the length of pipe can pass and are arranged to form a seal between the length of pipe and the housing body. A locking member is positionable in the axial bore above the sealing members. The locking member defines a second opening. The length of pipe is movable through the second opening in a first direction and the locking member engages the length of pipe when the pipe is forced in a second direction opposite the first direction to form a one-way stop.