Pipe Fitting Retaining Ring for Releasable Lock and Disconnect
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe fitting connections are typically permanent, making it difficult to efficiently and quickly connect and disconnect pipes without damaging the fittings, and they often restrict relative rotation between pipes and fittings.
Innovation Solution
A releasable connect/disconnect fitting connection using a fitting body with radial openings and a retaining ring with resilient tabs that can move from a locked to an unlocked position, allowing for easy pipe removal and reconnection without the need for solvents or chemical treatments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a permanent mechanical connection is used to connect a pipe to a fitting, then the connection strength is improved, but the ease of disconnection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining ring is designed with resilient tabs that can dynamically change position between a locked state (engaging the pipe) and an unlocked state (disengaging the pipe). This dynamic mechanism allows the connection to transition from secure to easily removable, resolving the contradiction between connection strength and ease of disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the fitting body, the retaining ring, and the resilient tabs. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component - the tabs provide secure engagement while the ring structure enables easy release through axial movement, addressing both strong connection and easy disconnection requirements.
2Strength
If a solvent welded joint is used to connect a pipe to a fitting, then the connection strength is improved, but the ability to disconnect and reconnect deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces chemical bonding (solvent welding) with a mechanical retention system. The resilient tabs mechanically engage with the pipe through friction and geometric interlocking, providing equivalent or superior connection strength while enabling repeated disconnection and reconnection, thus resolving the contradiction between connection strength and adaptability.
3Reliability
If a permanent mechanical connection is used, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the productivity of pipe replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic resilient tab mechanism maintains reliable engagement during normal operation through friction and geometric constraints, but allows rapid disengagement when axial force is applied to the retaining ring. This enables high productivity during pipe replacement while maintaining connection reliability during service.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient tabs automatically self-adjust and self-lock into the engaged position with the pipe, ensuring reliable connection without requiring additional fastening steps. During disconnection, the mechanism self-releases when the retaining ring is axially moved, enabling quick pipe replacement and improving productivity.
4Ease of operation
If a complex retaining mechanism with multiple components is used to enable disconnection, then the ease of disconnection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining ring serves multiple functions: it holds the resilient tabs in the engaged position, provides a interface for tool engagement during disconnection, and guides the axial movement of the tabs. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, maintaining ease of disconnection while minimizing device complexity.
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
Enables quick and efficient connection and disconnection of pipes to fittings, allowing for repeated use of both the pipe and the fitting, while maintaining a secure and reusable connection.
Implementation Method 1
each resilient retaining tab having a radially inwardly extending portion and a radially outwardly extending portion; wherein each of said radially outwardly extending portions have a chamfered body engaging surface which operatively engages the angled tab engaging surface of a corresponding body radial opening; wherein said radially inwardly extending portions engage the pipe when the pipe is in an inserted position and the retaining ring is in a first locked axial position
Data Source
AI summary
A connection to releasably connect and disconnect to a pipe to a fitting provides a pipe fitting body for receiving a pipe and a retaining ring assembly located within the fitting body for retaining and releasing the pipe. The retaining ring assembly has axially extending inwardly angled resilient retaining tabs, each of which has a pipe retaining portion. When the pipe is inserted into the fitting body to an inserted position, the pipe retaining portions engage an indentation on the pipe to retain the pipe in the inserted position. Relative movement of the axially extending inwardly angled resilient retaining tabs with respect to the fitting body from the first locked position to a second unlocked position causes each axially extending inwardly angled resilient retaining tabs to disengage from the indentation on the pipe permitting removal of the pipe from the inserted position in the fitting body.