Press-Fit Pipe Connection with Integrated Projections for Leak Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic components with press fittings face high constructive complexity and manufacturing costs, along with operational reliability issues due to fluid leakages and wear, as seen in components like those described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,517,431B2.
Innovation Solution
A component with a press fitting design featuring projections emerging from the main body, an inner groove, and a gasket, where the projections and internal surfaces are configured to securely constrain a pipe without external threads, allowing for deformation to achieve a mechanical and fluid-tight connection, and a manufacturing process involving molding and material removal to create these features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional press fittings with external threads and separate locking components are used, then the connection strength is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the locking ring and hook elements directly into the main body as monolithic projections, eliminating separate locking components. The projections emerge from the main body and include integrated hook elements that engage with the pipe, combining what were previously separate parts into a single integrated structure, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining connection strength
Solution Approach 2:
The press fitting is divided into multiple projections distributed around the circumference of the main body. Each projection contains hook elements that independently engage with the pipe, allowing the connection function to be segmented across multiple contact points rather than requiring a single complex locking mechanism
2Reliability
If traditional press fittings with multiple separate components are used, then the connection reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The main body and locking ring are merged into a single monolithic component made by casting or injection molding. The projections emerge directly from the main body as an integrated structure, eliminating the need for separate locking ring components and reducing assembly steps, thereby lowering manufacturing cost while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The projections with hook elements are designed to automatically engage with the pipe during the pressing operation without requiring additional locking components or assembly steps. The monolithic structure ensures proper alignment and engagement of all hook elements simultaneously during installation, making the system self-configuring and reducing manufacturing 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
The design simplifies assembly, reduces fluid leakage, and enhances operational reliability by providing a secure and durable connection between the component and the pipe, while the manufacturing process lowers production costs and ensures precise feature creation.
Implementation Method 1
allowing for deformation to achieve a mechanical and fluid-tight connection
Implementation Method 2
the projections and internal surfaces are configured to securely constrain a pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A press-fitting component (1) including at least one main body (2) having at least one inlet (4), at least one outlet (5) and at least one channel (3) connecting the inlet (4) with the outlet (5), as well as at least one press-fitting (90) defined in correspondence of at least one of the outlet (5) and the inlet (4) of the main body (2). The press fitting further comprises a predetermined number of projections (9) emerging internally from the main body (2) and made in one piece with the main body (2). A process of assembling the component (1) with a pipe and a process of manufacturing the component (1).