Pipe Fitting Union Nut With Anti-Loosening Torque Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fittings for connecting water-carrying pipes are complex due to the need for sealants and lack secure mechanical connections, which can lead to unintentional loosening and incorrect assembly.
Innovation Solution
A fitting with a coupling unit featuring a pivotable union nut, a securing element to prevent loosening, and a torque limiting element to control assembly torque, ensuring a secure and fluid-tight connection between pipe sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional fitting with pipe sockets is used, then pipe connections can be established, but the connection lacks security and can loosen unintentionally
Solution Approach 1:
The union nut is designed to be pivotable relative to the fitting body, allowing the coupling unit to be rotated into different positions. This dynamic element enables the securing element to engage with the pipe section at optimal angles, significantly improving connection security and preventing unintentional loosening while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing element is pre-configured to provide rotation inhibition between the pipe section and the union nut. This preliminary anti-action mechanism proactively prevents loosening movements before they can occur, addressing the reliability issue without requiring complex additional components.
2Reliability
If sealant is used to connect pipe to fitting, then sealing can be achieved, but the connection process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for external sealants from the connection process. The sealing function is integrated directly into the fitting structure through the sealing element that interacts with the pipe section, simplifying the assembly process while ensuring reliable fluid-tight connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element is designed to automatically provide sealing when the union nut is assembled to the pipe section. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate sealant application steps, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining sealing reliability.
3Reliability
If excessive force is applied to the union nut during assembly, then connection can be secured, but incorrect assembly occurs and the nut may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The torque limiting element is pre-configured to automatically limit the torque applied to the union nut during assembly. This preliminary action prevents excessive force application before it can cause damage, ensuring correct assembly while still providing sufficient connection security.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque limiting element provides mechanical feedback by physically preventing further rotation when the torque threshold is reached. This feedback mechanism guides the assembler to apply the correct amount of force, improving assembly accuracy while maintaining connection reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fitting (1) comprises a fitting body (2) with a fluid passage (3), a first pipe socket (4) for connecting a first pipe section, and a second pipe socket (5) for connecting a second pipe section (6) with an external thread (7), and a coupling unit (8) arranged on the second pipe socket (5) for detachably connecting the second pipe section (6) to the second pipe socket (5), wherein the coupling unit (8) comprises a union nut (9) pivotably mounted on the fitting body (2) with a cylindrical interior (10) bounded by an inner surface (11), wherein the interior (10) surrounds the second pipe socket (5) such that a receiving space (12) is created between the interior (10) and the pipe socket (5) into which the second pipe section (5) to be connected can be received, wherein an internal thread (13) is arranged on the inner surface (11) which engages with the external thread (7) of the second pipe section (6). pipe section (6) can be brought into engagement,and wherein a sealing element (14) is arranged on the outside of the second pipe section (5), which interacts with the inside (15) of the second pipe section (6). The coupling unit (8) further comprises an element selected from the group of: - a locking element (16) which provides rotational restraint between the second pipe section (6) and the union nut (9) against loosening of the union nut (9); and/or - a torque limiting element (17) which limits the torque applied to the union nut (9) during assembly.