Press Fitting Gripping Ring Structure for Spacer-Free Pipe Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing press fittings for coupling pipes often require complex housing shapes or spacers for effective sealing and gripping, which can lead to complications and inefficiencies in the connection process.
Innovation Solution
A press fitting design featuring a socket with a gripping ring and a sealing ring, where the gripping ring has reducible notches for diameter reduction upon pressing, eliminating the need for a spacer and ensuring a secure, gas/water-tight joint without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spacer or separating ring is added to the press fitting, then the sealing and gripping functions are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the gripping ring and sealing ring into a single integrated component. The gripping ring features an asymmetric cross-section with a first portion for gripping the tube and a second portion forming a sealing surface, eliminating the need for a separate spacer or sealing ring while maintaining both gripping and sealing functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping ring is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical gripping through its asymmetric cross-section shape, creates a seal through its second portion with sealing surface, and positions components within the press fitting. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate components.
2Reliability
If the gripping ring is deformed to reduce its opening size, then the gripping force on the tube is improved, but the force required for pressing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping ring employs local quality through its asymmetric cross-section, where different portions have different properties: the first portion has a shape optimized for gripping the tube with reduced pressing force, while the second portion provides sealing capability. This localized differentiation allows effective gripping without requiring excessive pressing force across the entire ring.
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 provides a simplified, effective pipe connection method that maintains a tight seal and engages the tube evenly, reducing the force required for pressing and preventing seal displacement, thus enhancing the reliability and longevity of the joint.
Implementation Method 1
the gripping ring is provided with an opening being reducible in size by deforming the gripping ring when applying a pressing action on the socket
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~6b
Figure 7~8b
AI summary
A press fitting (1) includes a socket (10, 10', 10", 10"') defining at one end an opening for insertion of an end of a tube (5), a sealing ring (20, 20', 20") within the socket (10, 10', 10", 10'''), and a gripping ring (30, 30', 100, 200, 300) within the socket (10, 10', 10", 10'''), arranged in front of the sealing ring (20, 20', 20") in the direction of insertion of the tube (5), wherein the gripping ring (30, 30', 100, 200, 300) is provided with at least one weakening feature, in particular in the form of notches, being reducible in size by deforming the gripping ring (30, 30', 100, 200, 300) when applying a pressing action on the socket (10, 10', 10", 10''') such that an inner diameter D2 of the gripping ring (30, 30', 100, 200, 300) is reduced. A joint assembly may comprise such a press fitting (1) having a tube (5) inserted therein.