Pipe Joint Leak Port Layout for Sensitive Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing pipe joints for high cleanliness and chemical resistance, such as those in semiconductor manufacturing, face challenges in leak fluid detection due to non-constant leak port positions and multiple leakage paths, leading to delayed and less sensitive leak detection.
Innovation Solution
A pipe joint design with first and second sleeves, an annular gasket, and screw members where the leak port is positioned on the male screw member's outer peripheral surface, allowing it to communicate with gaps between the sleeves and gasket, and featuring seal members to prevent leaks through other gaps, ensuring easy construction of a leak detection mechanism and improved sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a leak port is provided in the cap nut to detect leak fluid, then leak detection capability is improved, but the position of the leak port becomes non-constant due to rotation during fastening, making construction work difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional design by providing the leak port in the male screw member instead of the female screw member (cap nut). Since the male screw member does not rotate during fastening operations, the leak port maintains a constant position, enabling easy connection of leak detection mechanisms while preserving leak detection capability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple O-rings are provided to seal leakage paths and collect leak fluid, then leak detection sensitivity is improved, but the number of parts and working steps increase due to the large number of leak paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary sealing elements by providing only one O-ring at a critical location (between the male screw member and the first sleeve) rather than multiple O-rings at all potential leak paths. The strategically positioned leak port in the male screw member enables effective leak detection without requiring extensive sealing throughout the entire assembly.
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
This design facilitates easy construction of a leak detection mechanism and enhances leak detection sensitivity by ensuring all leak fluid flows to the designated leak port, eliminating other leakage paths and improving detection efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an annular first seal member that prevents the leak fluid from leaking through a gap between the tip end portion of the male screw member and the second sleeve to a gap formed in a screwed portion between the male screw member and the female screw member and a gap between the second sleeve and the female screw member
Implementation Method 2
an annular second seal member arranged on a rear end (opposite to the second sleeve) side of a position of the leak port and sealing a gap between the first sleeve and the male screw member
Implementation Method 3
the first and second sleeves being joined by screwing the male screw member with the female screw member
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe joint includes first and second sleeves having fluid flow paths communicating with each other; an annular gasket interposed between abutting end surfaces of the sleeves; a male screw member having a through hole into which the first sleeve is inserted; and a female screw member having a through hole into which the second sleeve is inserted, the sleeves being joined by screwing the male screw member with the female screw member, wherein the pipe joint has a leak port opened at a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the male screw member not covered by the female screw member and communicates with a gap between the male screw member and the first sleeve to detect a leak fluid leaked from gaps between the sleeves and the gasket.