Pipe Fitting Connector With Separate Seal and Locking Piece
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe fitting connectors suffer from a lack of long-lasting sealing performance due to fastener structures that rely on rubber or silica gel, leading to frequent replacements and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A pipe fitting connector design featuring a first connection member with a sealing member and a locking piece that includes elastic arms and hooks, which generate a pre-tightening force to ensure a long-lasting seal and prevent axial movement and rotation, while an annular member and chamfer facilitate assembly and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rubber or silica gel seals are used with fastener structures, then quick connection and disconnection is achieved, but sealing persistence deteriorates and frequent replacement is required
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented from the fastening function. The sealing member (rubber or silica gel) is separated from the fastener structure, allowing the sealing member to be replaced independently when worn, while the fastener structure remains intact. This resolves the contradiction by enabling quick connection/disconnection through the fastener while maintaining sealing persistence through a dedicated, replaceable sealing component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and positioning of the sealing member by introducing a groove structure that holds the sealing member in place. The sealing member is positioned within a groove and secured by a retaining structure, transforming it from a loose component to a firmly positioned element. This parameter change ensures the sealing member remains effective throughout the service life of the connector, achieving long-lasting sealing while maintaining quick connection capability.
2Ease of operation
If fastener structures rely on rubber or silica gel elasticity, then connection is achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to frequent replacement needs
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member is segmented as a separate, replaceable component from the fastener structure. This segmentation allows the sealing member to be independently replaced when its elastic properties deteriorate, maintaining reliable sealing without replacing the entire connector assembly. The fastener structure and sealing member are functionally separated, with the sealing member confined to a groove and secured by a retaining structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member is designed as a consumable component with a limited service life. When the rubber or silica gel sealing member shows signs of wear or elastic property degradation, it can be replaced at low cost without replacing the entire connector. This approach maintains high reliability by ensuring the sealing surface is always effective, while the expensive fastener structure and housing are reused.
3Ease of operation
If existing fastener structures are used, then connection is achieved, but device complexity increases due to frequent replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is segmented into modular components: the housing, fastener structure, and sealing member. The sealing member is further segmented as a separate replaceable element within the groove. This segmentation simplifies maintenance by allowing users to replace only the worn sealing member rather than the entire connector assembly, reducing overall device complexity and maintenance burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove structure and retaining structure are pre-configured in the housing during manufacturing. The sealing member is designed to fit precisely into this pre-prepared groove and be secured by the retaining structure. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex assembly procedures during replacement, as users only need to remove the old sealing member and install a new one, significantly simplifying maintenance operations.
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 connector achieves a continuous sealing effect, enhances anti-separation force, and reduces the likelihood of the locking piece breaking, thereby reducing maintenance costs and improving connection reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic arms extend into locking through holes formed in the second connection member to generate a pre-tightening force on inner walls of the locking through holes
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to the technical field of pipe fittings, specifically a pipe fitting connector. The pipe fitting connector includes a first connection member and a second connection member; the first connection member includes a first columnar pipe fitting, and a sealing member arranged on an outer wall of the first connection member; the second connection member includes a second columnar pipe fitting and a locking piece; the first columnar pipe fitting extends into the second columnar pipe fitting; the sealing member is located between an outer wall of the first columnar pipe fitting and an inner wall of the second columnar pipe fitting to seal the first connection member to the second connection member; and the locking piece is used for locking the first connection member to the second connection member.