Pipe connector with tapered thread nut
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible water heater connectors using straight threads with elastomer gaskets face issues with incomplete thread overlap due to dimensional tolerances, leading to reduced coupling strength, water leaks, and corrosion, which can result in safety risks and property damage.
Innovation Solution
The use of a flexible water heater connector with a hose, a nut having a female tapered thread, and a fitting structure that includes a swivel nut capable of rotating, along with protrusions and gaskets for enhanced mechanical engagement and sealing, to ensure complete thread overlap and prevent leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If straight threads with elastomer gaskets are used for connection, then the connector can be assembled with standard NPSM threading, but incomplete thread overlap occurs due to dimensional tolerances leading to reduced coupling strength and water leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thread geometry parameter from straight (NPSM) to tapered (NPT), altering the fundamental threading configuration to achieve complete overlap and mechanical interlocking that prevents leaks while maintaining standard compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using straight threads with a gasket to achieve sealing (conventional approach), the patent inverts the approach by using tapered threads where the threads themselves create the seal through wedge action and complete overlap, eliminating the need for additional sealing mechanisms
2Ease of operation
If straight threads are used without complete overlap, then assembly is simpler, but corrosion and safety risks increase due to exposed thread regions
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered thread geometry changes the engagement pattern to ensure complete overlap of male and female threads, eliminating exposed thread regions that would be susceptible to corrosion while maintaining straightforward assembly procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of dimensional tolerance variations into a benefit by using tapered threads where the wedge action naturally compensates for tolerances, ensuring complete overlap and preventing corrosion regardless of minor manufacturing variations
3Reliability
If tapered threads are used to ensure complete overlap, then coupling strength and leak prevention improve, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered thread design enables self-aligning and self-compensating characteristics during assembly, where the wedge action naturally guides the components into proper alignment and compensates for minor dimensional variations, reducing the impact of manufacturing precision limitations
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 provides a stronger and more reliable coupling between the connector and the water heater nipple, reducing the risk of leaks and corrosion, while facilitating easier installation and maintaining structural integrity under water pressure.
Implementation Method 1
tapered threads allow the male and female threads to completely overlap one another when mated together... the tapered threads allow the flexible connector to resist water pressure and stay tightened to the pipe and the water heater nipple
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible heater connector can include a hose, a nut having a female tapered thread, and a fitting structure. The female tapered thread of the nut can engage a male tapered thread associated with the heater. The fitting structure can include a first portion to mechanically engage an inner wall of the hose, and a second portion mechanically coupled to the nut. The nut can be a swivel nut.