Press Fitting Stop Ring Structure for Low-Force Sleeve Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing press fittings face challenges in forming a secure connection between the press sleeve and fitting body, requiring high assembly forces and often resulting in damage to components due to complex interconnection designs.
Innovation Solution
A press fitting design featuring a two-part stop ring with a clamp ring and compression ring, where the clamp ring has a lip and groove configuration, allowing for a snap-fit connection and reduced insertion forces, and the compression ring enhances the connection strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a retaining ring with undercut is used to hold the press sleeve, then the press sleeve can be firmly retained, but high assembly forces are required and the retaining ring may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The stop ring is divided into two separate parts: an inner clamp ring that provides the undercut retention and an outer compression ring that applies compressive force. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without requiring excessive assembly force, as the compression ring can be installed separately to secure the clamp ring in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression ring acts as an intermediary element that secures the clamp ring to the fitting body. Instead of directly forcing the press sleeve into a complex retaining structure, the compression ring mediates the connection by clamping the clamp ring, which in turn holds the press sleeve, distributing the assembly forces more evenly.
2Device complexity
If the press sleeve is directly attached to the fitting body, then the connection is simplified, but high mounting forces are still required
Solution Approach 1:
The stop ring is divided into two separate parts: an inner clamp ring that provides the undercut retention and an outer compression ring that applies compressive force. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without requiring excessive assembly force, as the compression ring can be installed separately to secure the clamp ring in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes the mechanical parameters of the connection by introducing a two-stage retention system. The clamp ring provides initial mechanical interlocking through its undercut, while the compression ring adds continuous compressive force, changing the force distribution and reducing peak assembly forces compared to direct attachment.
3Reliability
If a deep undercut is formed in the retaining ring to firmly hold the press sleeve, then retention is improved, but manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The stop ring is divided into two separate parts: an inner clamp ring that provides the undercut retention and an outer compression ring that applies compressive force. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without requiring excessive assembly force, as the compression ring can be installed separately to secure the clamp ring in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes the mechanical parameters of the connection by introducing a two-stage retention system. The clamp ring provides initial mechanical interlocking through its undercut, while the compression ring adds continuous compressive force, changing the force distribution and reducing peak assembly forces compared to direct attachment.
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 reduces assembly forces, prevents damage to components, and forms a secure, tight connection with increased pull-out resistance, while allowing for easier manufacturing through injection molding.
Implementation Method 1
The compression ring is configured to compress the first part of the clamp ring in an assembled state of the stop ring
Implementation Method 2
the lip being arranged, in an insertion direction of the press sleeve, in a first part of the clamp ring in front of the groove
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 1D~1E
AI summary
Press fitting (100) for a pipe connection, comprising: a fitting body (120) for connecting the press fitting (100) to a pipe; a press sleeve (140) comprising a substantially cylindrical press area (142) and an outward expanding first collar (144) at a first end (146); a stop ring (160) interconnecting the press sleeve (140) and the fitting body (120). The stop ring (160) comprises: an inner clamp ring (181) having a groove (162) and a lip (161), the groove (162) being at an inner contour (168) of the clamp ring (181) and being for accommodating the outward expanding first collar (144), the lip (161) being arranged in a first part (166) of the clamp ring (181) in front of the groove (162); and a separate, outer compression ring (183), configured to compress the first part (166) in an assembled state of the stop ring, wherein the compression ring (183) is placed over the clamp ring (181).