Press Fitting with Local Wall Thickness Variation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Press fittings are costly due to high material costs, particularly from materials like copper alloys and stainless steel, and existing designs require a minimum wall thickness for compression, limiting material reduction while maintaining a secure and long-lasting seal.
Innovation Solution
The press fitting design increases the overall wall thickness in the second region by at least 50% compared to the third region, allowing for reduced material usage while maintaining strength and compatibility with existing press tools, achieved through integral local thickening or the use of a separate annular member, enabling a more economical production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If the wall thickness of the press fitting is reduced to save material costs, then material cost decreases, but the strength and reliability of the pressed joint deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The press fitting features varying wall thicknesses in different regions: a first region with standard wall thickness for compression, a second region with increased wall thickness for enhanced strength, and a third region with reduced wall thickness for material savings. This local differentiation allows the fitting to maintain reliability where needed while reducing overall material consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The press fitting is divided into three distinct regions along its length, each with different wall thickness characteristics. The segmentation allows each region to serve its specific function: the first region for sealing and compression, the second for structural reinforcement, and the third for material reduction, thereby resolving the contradiction between strength and material cost.
2Loss of substance
If the wall thickness in the third region is reduced to save material, then material usage decreases, but the compatibility with press tools and minimum compression requirements may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The third region is specifically designed with reduced wall thickness only where it does not interfere with press tool compatibility, while the first and second regions maintain or increase wall thickness to ensure proper compression and tool engagement. This localized approach allows material savings without compromising adaptability.
3Reliability
If the overall wall thickness is increased to ensure adequate strength for pressed joint, then reliability improves, but material cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly increasing wall thickness throughout the press fitting, the invention concentrates the increased thickness specifically in the second region where structural strength is most critical for the pressed joint, while keeping the third region thinner to reduce material cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The press fitting is segmented into regions with different wall thicknesses, allowing the second region to provide enhanced strength where needed for reliability, while the third region contributes to material cost reduction, thereby balancing reliability and material cost.
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 reduces material costs significantly while ensuring a secure and long-lasting seal, compatible with existing press tools, and suitable for various applications including piping systems for drinking water and gas.
Implementation Method 1
The press fitting can then be compressed onto the end of the pipe or tube in the first and second regions, and possibly in the third region too, with a pressing tool
Implementation Method 2
The compression in the second region and optionally in the region results in the end of the pipe or tube being securely fixed to the fitting
Implementation Method 3
a sealing ring provided in the annular ridge is pressed against the outer surface of the end of the pipe or tube as the compression takes place, thus sealing the connection
Data Source
AI summary
A press fitting, including a tubular component and an end portion of the tubular component which can be compressed to make a connection. The end portion has an opening to receive a tube and a first region having an annular ridge to receive a sealing ring. A second region is arranged on the side of the ridge adjacent the opening and a third region is arranged on the side of the ridge remote from the opening. The overall wall thickness of the press fitting in the second region is increased at least in a section or sections in comparison with the wall thickness of the tubular component in the third region.