Pipe Connection Fitting Flap Ring Axial Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe connection fittings lack the ability to consistently and repeatedly achieve a fluid-tight connection while allowing for easy disassembly and reassembly, with components often failing to maintain a defined position, leading to potential pipe weakening or inadequate sealing under load.
Innovation Solution
A pipe connection fitting featuring a flap ring with pivotable tabs and a grip ring, where the flap ring includes a cylindrical and tapered portion with slots and hinged tabs that control the axial placement of the grip ring, ensuring consistent tooth penetration into the pipe surface during assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pipe connection fitting allows disassembly and reassembly, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of consistent fluid-tight connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flap ring with pivotable tabs is pre-configured to control the axial placement of the grip ring during assembly. The tabs are positioned to engage with the grip ring at specific locations, ensuring that when the fitting is reassembled, the grip ring automatically returns to its original positioned, maintaining consistent tooth penetration depth and sealing reliability without requiring precise manual alignment.
2Ease of operation
If components are allowed to move freely during assembly, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision of component placement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flap ring acts as an intermediary mechanism between the grip ring and the terminal. The pivotable tabs on the flap ring engage with the grip ring and control its axial movement during assembly. This intermediary structure allows the grip ring to move freely into position while the tabs guide it to the correct axial location, ensuring precise positioning without requiring complex alignment procedures.
3Reliability
If tooth penetration depth is increased to improve sealing, then reliability of fluid-tight connection is improved, but strength of pipe structure deteriorates due to pipe weakening
Solution Approach 1:
The invention controls the tooth penetration depth parameter by using the flap ring with pivotable tabs to limit the axial movement of the grip ring. The tabs are positioned to engage the grip ring at a specific axial location that corresponds to the optimal penetration depth - deep enough to ensure fluid-tight sealing but not so deep as to compromise pipe structural integrity. This parameter control is achieved through the mechanical constraint provided by the tab-grip ring engagement.
Data Source
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AI summary
A pipe connection fitting is disclosed in the present application. The pipe connection fitting includes a gasket holder ring, a flap ring and a grip ring operably coupled together. A terminal housing is configured to engage with the gasket holder, flap ring and grip ring to form the pipe connection fitting adjacent an end of a pipe. The flap ring includes a plurality of tabs extending therefrom to provide an abutment for controlling a relative position of the grip ring.