Plumbing Fitting Track Geometry for Easier Sealed Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plumbing fittings face issues with fluid leakage due to resistive forces from sealing means, making it difficult to reconfigure the fittings without risking damage or injury, especially after extended periods of non-use.
Innovation Solution
A plumbing fitting design featuring a track and projection arrangement with varying angles of inclination, allowing for controlled axial movement of the inner body relative to the outer body, facilitated by a sigmoid-shaped track and grub screws, reducing the resistive force of sealing means and enabling easy reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sealing means are provided between the inner body and outer body to prevent fluid leakage, then sealing performance is improved, but the fitting becomes difficult to reconfigure due to resistive forces from the sealing means
Solution Approach 1:
The track angle is changed as a parameter to resolve the contradiction. The track has a variable angle profile: a first angle in the initial position that is less than 45 degrees (reducing resistive force for easy movement), and a second angle in the reconfigured position that is greater than 45 degrees (providing mechanical advantage for sealing). This parameter change allows the system to achieve both easy reconfiguration and reliable sealing.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the fitting is not reconfigured for an extended period of time, then sealing stability is improved, but the fitting becomes stuck in place making reconfiguration difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The track angle parameter is designed with a specific profile to address this contradiction. The first angle (less than 45 degrees) at the initial position reduces friction and resistive forces, allowing easy movement even after extended storage periods when sealing materials may have stabilized or degraded. The variable angle profile ensures that users can overcome any stabilizing forces without requiring excessive force.
3Ease of operation
If excessive force is applied to move the inner body against sealing resistive forces, then reconfiguration can be achieved, but the fitting may be damaged or the user may be injured
Solution Approach 1:
The track angle is optimized as a critical parameter to eliminate the need for excessive force. By designing the first angle to be less than 45 degrees, the resistive force from the sealing means is significantly reduced, allowing smooth movement of the inner body without risk of sudden releases or user injury. The gradual angle transition prevents shock loads and ensures safe operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The track is designed with a curved, sigmoid profile rather than a straight line, creating a smooth transition between angles. This curvature ensures gradual force application and movement, eliminating sudden jumps or impacts that could cause damage or injury. The smooth curved profile allows the inner body to transition steadily between positions.
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 design allows for safe and efficient movement between sealing configurations, protecting the fitting from damage and user injury while simplifying maintenance and operation, without requiring system drainage.
Implementation Method 1
sealing means configured to prevent leakage of fluid from the plumbing fitting
Implementation Method 2
the track and projection arrangement makes it is easier for a user to move, in a gradual and controlled manner, the inner body relative to the outer body
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A plumbing fitting (1) has an outer body (2) having a flow path (3) extending therethrough; an inner body (4) disposed in, and axially movable along an axis relative to, the outer body (2); and sealing means (8, 9) configured to prevent leakage of fluid from the plumbing fitting (1). The inner body (4) has tracks (25, 25') and the outer body has projections (14, 15). The projections (14, 15) are movable in the track. Each track (25, 25') has a primary, outer, portion (25a, 25a1), a secondary, central, portion (25b, 25b1) and a tertiary, outer, portion (25c, 25c'). The angle of inclination of the secondary, central, portion (25b, 25b') is greater than the angle of inclination of the primary, outer, portion (25a, 25a') and of the tertiary, outer, portion (25c, 25c'), respectively. The angle of inclination is relative to the axis of axial movement. The plumbing fitting (1) is movable between a first sealing configuration in which the projections (14, 15) are arranged in the primary, outer, portions (25a, 25a'), and a second sealing configuration in which the projections (14, 15) are arranged in the tertiary, outer, portions (25c, 25c').