Pipe Fitting Ferrule for Self-Limiting Locking Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe fitting apparatuses face challenges in achieving stability to prevent leakage, often requiring professional skills, tools, and posing risks of fire and internal damage due to improper torque application.
Innovation Solution
A pipe fitting apparatus that includes a flare socket, a fitting body, a fixing nut, and a force control ferrule, allowing for easy locking with an appropriate torque without the need for a torque gauge, thereby eliminating the risk of breakage and leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a torque gauge is used to tighten the nut to an appropriate value, then leakage is prevented, but the device complexity increases and operation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The force control ferrule is designed to automatically control the tightening force through its elastic deformation characteristics. As the nut is tightened, the ferrule deforms elastically and contacts the pipe at a predetermined position, automatically limiting the tightening force to an appropriate level without requiring external measurement devices or complex control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The force control ferrule utilizes changes in material parameters (elastic deformation) to control the tightening process. The ferrule's elastic properties allow it to deform under compression and contact the pipe at a specific deformation point, thereby controlling the tightening force parameter automatically based on its material characteristics and geometric design.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the nut is tightened stronger than the appropriate value, then locking stability is improved, but internal damage occurs causing leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The force control ferrule is pre-designed with specific elastic properties and geometric dimensions that determine the exact point at which it will contact the pipe during tightening. This preliminary design ensures that the appropriate tightening force is automatically achieved before excessive force can be applied, preventing internal damage while maintaining locking stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The force control ferrule acts as an intermediary element between the nut and the pipe. It mediates the tightening force by deforming elastically and contacting the pipe at a predetermined position, thereby controlling the force transmission and preventing excessive tightening that would damage the pipe while ensuring sufficient stability.
3Strength
If the nut is tightened more loosely than the appropriate value, then breakage is prevented, but leakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The force control ferrule automatically achieves the appropriate tightening force through its elastic deformation characteristics. The ferrule's material properties and geometric design ensure that it contacts the pipe at the correct force level, self-regulating the tightening process to maintain both pipe integrity and sealing performance without external intervention.
4Reliability
If professional skills and tools are required for pipe connection, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The force control ferrule is designed to automatically control the tightening process through its elastic deformation characteristics. The ferrule self-regulates the tightening force by deforming and contacting the pipe at a predetermined position, eliminating the need for professional skills or specialized tools while ensuring reliable connection stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the complex mechanical control system (torque gauge and skilled operation) with a passive elastic mechanical element (force control ferrule). The ferrule's elastic properties automatically control the tightening force, substituting the need for active mechanical measurement and expert operation with a self-regulating elastic deformation mechanism.
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 enables secure locking with an appropriate torque, reducing the likelihood of leakage and pipe damage, simplifying the installation process, and minimizing maintenance time and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a force control ferrule that is inserted and installed between the fitting body and the fixing nut, allowing the fitting body and the fixing nut to be locked with an appropriate amount of locking torque
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe fitting apparatus provides easy locking with an appropriate torque for which the possibility of breakage and leakage has been eliminated by being easily configured in a manner that the locking of the pipe fitting apparatus used to connect pipes is performed with an appropriate torque. The pipe fitting apparatus has a fitting body, a force control ferrule, and a fixing nut. The fitting body has a first connecting portion with an inner threaded surface, a second connecting portion having an outer threaded portion, and a ferrule seating portion where the force control ferrule is provided. The fixing nut has an inner threaded portion for engaging with the second connecting portion of the fitting body and an inclined pressure surface for abutting against the force control ferrule.