Pipe Fitting Blocking Ring Radial Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe fitting technologies face challenges in reliably detecting missed blockings during pressurization, often leading to fluid leaks due to inadequate sealing, and are either complex or costly to manufacture, especially when using special seals or structurally complex sleeves.
Innovation Solution
A pipe fitting design featuring a sleeve with an annular protrusion and gully, combined with a blocking ring, that undergoes radial deformation to securely block pipes, using conventional pliers and standard seals, ensuring a reliable fluid seal and easy detection of missed blockings without the need for special seals or complex manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If seals are made to not project beyond the radial volume of anchoring surface grooves to enable detection of missed blocking, then missed blocking detection is improved, but fluid seal quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is segmented into two distinct components: a seal element that provides the fluid seal and a blocking ring that provides the detection function. The seal element is positioned to not project beyond the grooves, enabling detection, while the blocking ring is positioned to be compressed by the crimping tool to ensure proper sealing when blocking is performed. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking ring acts as an intermediary element between the crimping tool and the seal element. When the crimping tool compresses the blocking ring, this compression force is transmitted to the seal element, ensuring proper sealing. The blocking ring thus mediates the transmission of blocking force while also serving as the detection indicator, resolving the contradiction between detection capability and seal quality.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional seals and sleeves are used instead of special seals or complex sleeves, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but sealing reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into separate functional elements: a conventional seal element and a blocking ring. This segmentation allows the use of simple, conventional materials for both components while maintaining sealing reliability through their coordinated interaction during the blocking process.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking ring serves dual purposes: it ensures proper sealing when compressed by the crimping tool and simultaneously provides the detection function by indicating whether blocking occurred. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex specialized seals, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If seals are positioned to provide fluid seal during insertion, then sealing is improved, but missed blocking cannot be detected during testing
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the sealing function (performed by the seal element positioned to provide fluid seal) from the detection function (performed by the blocking ring). The blocking ring is positioned such that it does not interfere with the seal element during insertion, allowing the seal to function properly, while still enabling detection when compressed during the blocking operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking ring transitions from a non-interfering state during insertion to an active detection state during blocking. When the crimping tool compresses the blocking ring, it changes shape or position to provide the detection signal, while the seal element maintains its sealing position throughout the process.
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 effectively signals missed blockings through fluid loss, provides an excellent fluid seal when properly blocked, and is cost-effective, avoiding the drawbacks of special seals and complex sleeves, while being compatible with conventional pliers and materials.
Implementation Method 1
said sealing element being deformable, when the first blocking means are in blocking configuration, such as to inhibit a fluid communication between the first conduit and an external surface of the first tubular element
Implementation Method 2
the passage of the first blocking means from the inserting configuration to the blocking configuration occurs by means of a radial deformation of the sleeve, nearingly to the first tubular element, such as to compress the pipe between the sleeve and the first tubular element internally of the annular housing
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 4
AI summary
A fitting (1) for connecting pipes (T) comprising at least a first (3) and a second tubular element (4) respectively provided with a first (3a) and a second inlet/outlet opening (4a); the first (3a) and second (4a) openings are in fluid communication; the fitting further comprises at least first blocking means (10) comprising a sleeve (11) and a blocking ring (15); the sleeve is associated to the first tubular element (3) such as to surround it externally and create, therebetween an annular housing (12) to receive a pipe (T); the sleeve is provided with an annular protrusion (13), extending from the external surface, and an annular gully (14), fashioned in the internal surface at the annular protrusion (13), in which the blocking ring (15) is housed; the first blocking means (10) operate at least in an inserting configuration, in which they enable insertion of a the pipe (T) into the annular housing (12), and in a blocking configuration, in which they stably and fluid-sealingly block the pipe in the annular housing.