Pipeline Fitting Grip Geometry for Tool-Free Tube Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipeline fittings require specialized tools or mechanical devices to achieve a firm, fluid-tight fit with flexible polymeric tubes, making manual installation difficult.
Innovation Solution
A pipeline fitting with a tubular nose section and axially extending gripping members featuring ramped walls and lengthened radial gripping surfaces that frictionally engage the inner surface of the tube, allowing easy installation without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a firm rigid fit is designed to prevent creep deformation and maintain fluid tight seal, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates requiring specialized tools
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping member is segmented into multiple functional zones: a ramped wall portion for initial engagement and force distribution, and a lengthened radial gripping surface for frictional holding. This segmentation allows the fitting to provide both the firm fit needed for reliability and the mechanical advantage needed for easy manual installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping member extends axially over the body, adding an axial dimension to the gripping interface. The lengthened radial gripping surface provides extended contact area in the radial direction, distributing forces and enabling manual installation without compromising seal integrity.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If a firm rigid fit is designed to prevent creep deformation, then durability is improved, but device complexity increases requiring mechanical devices
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting structure itself provides the gripping function through its own geometry. The gripping member with its ramped wall and lengthened radial gripping surface creates self-gripping action during installation, eliminating the need for external mechanical devices or specialized tools while maintaining durability.
3Reliability
If the end form is designed to provide a tight seal through firm fit, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates requiring specialized tools
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping member geometry parameters are optimized to provide both seal integrity and easy installation. The specific configuration of the ramped wall angle and lengthened radial gripping surface dimensions allows the fitting to be manufactured with standard processes while achieving reliable seals through the inherent mechanical advantage of the gripping geometry.
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
Facilitates a fluid-tight seal between the fitting and the tube while enabling tool-free installation, enhancing ease of assembly and ensuring a secure connection.
Implementation Method 1
The gripping member is configured to be received at least partly within the end portion of the first tube when the gripping member is received at least partly within the end portion of the first tube to frictionally engage an inner surface of the end portion of the first tube to the gripping member.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipeline fitting comprises a body having a first tubular nose section formed on a first end portion of the pipeline fitting. At least one gripping member having a ramped wall extends axially over the body from the first nose section, the gripping member terminating in a lengthened radial gripping surface located between first and second shortened radial gripping surfaces that are positioned perpendicularly on the body to the axial direction of the gripping member ramped wall. The gripping member is configured to be received at least partly within the end portion of a tube when the gripping member is received at least partly within the end portion of the tube to frictionally engage an inner surface of the end portion of the tube to the gripping member.