Two-Piece Pipe End Fitting for Leak-Safe Outer-Body Venting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipe end fittings are costly and time-consuming to machine from a single piece of stock, and the vent ports formed in the jacket can be deformed during assembly, leading to leaks.
Innovation Solution
A pipe end fitting assembly comprising two separate components, an outer body and an inner body, with a press-fit interference connection and a vent passage design that allows reliable fluid communication between the pipe, jacket, and outer surface, minimizing material waste and simplifying machining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the end fitting is machined from a single piece of stock, then the structural integrity is improved, but the manufacturing cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The end fitting is divided into two separate components: an outer body and an inner body. The outer body includes the connector notch and external features, while the inner body includes the vent passage and internal features. These two bodies are assembled together to form the complete end fitting, reducing machining time and material waste while maintaining structural integrity through the assembled connection.
2Ease of operation
If the vent port is formed in the jacket, then the venting function is provided, but the vent port can be deformed during assembly causing leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The vent passage is formed as an integral part of the outer body rather than in the jacket. This separates the venting function from the jacket component, eliminating the risk of vent port deformation during jacket assembly. The passage is machined directly into the outer body after the main structure is formed, ensuring its integrity is maintained throughout the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent passage is formed in the outer body before the final assembly with the inner body and jacket. This preliminary formation of the vent passage ensures it is established in a stable structural component (the outer body) that will not be deformed during subsequent assembly operations, preventing future leakage issues.
3Strength
If the end fitting is made from single piece stock, then the structural strength is improved, but the material waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end fitting is segmented into two separately manufactured components (outer body and inner body) that are assembled together. This allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and machined from appropriately sized stock, minimizing overall material waste while maintaining the structural strength needed for the connection application.
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 two-piece design reduces material waste and machining costs, enhances reliability by preventing vent port deformation and leakage, and provides efficient fluid communication for capturing and venting leaked liquids or gases.
Implementation Method 1
A passage is formed in the outer body extending from the end surface to the outer surface of the outer body, wherein the passage includes a first portion extending from the end surface and parallel to the first bore, and a second portion extending from the outer surface of the outer body to the first portion of the passage, wherein the first and second portions of the passage are in fluid communication with each other.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe end fitting assembly that includes an outer body having an outer surface, an inner surface defining a first bore, and an end surface, and an inner body having an inner surface defining a second bore and an outer surface. A portion of the inner body outer surface is secured to the outer body inner surface. A passage formed in the outer body includes a first portion extending from the end surface and parallel to the first bore, and a second portion extending from the outer body outer surface to the passage first portion. A pipe end is disposed around and secured to a portion of the inner body outer surface. A jacket is disposed around the pipe and has an end secured to the outer body outer surface. The passage portions are in fluid communication with each other and a space between the jacket and the pipe.