Protective Cap for Plug Fitting Annular Space Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug-in fittings lack assembly safety and are prone to contamination, especially in sanitary and heating construction environments, due to the risk of dirt entering the annular space without a protective cap, which compromises the secure hold and liquid-tight connection of inserted components.
Innovation Solution
A protective cap that engages in the annular space in a sealing manner without contacting the clamping ring, ensuring contamination is prevented until assembly, and is non-positively connected to prevent unintentional removal, with optional retention by a clip for secure but easy handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no protective cap is used on the plug-in fitting, then the assembly process is simpler and faster, but dirt and contamination can enter the annular space compromising assembly safety and connection reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cap is pre-installed on the plug-in fitting by the manufacturer before delivery. This preliminary protective action prevents contamination during storage and transport, ensuring the annular space remains clean until the moment of assembly when the cap is deliberately removed.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cap is designed as a simple, inexpensive component made from basic plastic material. It serves its protective function temporarily during storage and transport, then is removed before assembly. The cap may be discarded after use, representing a cheap short-living protective element that effectively prevents contamination without adding long-term complexity.
2Reliability
If the protective cap is securely fixed to prevent unintentional removal, then protection is improved, but removal effort increases potentially requiring tools or destructive means
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining clip provides a dynamic retention mechanism that adapts to the assembly state. During storage and transport, the clip securely holds the cap in place. During assembly, when deliberate force is applied, the clip can be easily removed by hand or simple tool, transitioning from a secure retention state to an easy removal state.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining clip acts as an intermediary element between the protective cap and the plug-in fitting. It provides the retention function without directly connecting the cap to the fitting, allowing for easy removal while maintaining secure protection during storage. The clip can be independently attached and removed without affecting the cap or fitting permanently.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a plug fitting, comprising an insertable section following a middle part, wherein the insertable section comprises a base body with an inner tube carrier and a shell interacting with the basic body, wherein the tube carrier and the shell form a ring chamber, into which a clamping ring, held in the shell by a tensioning ring, extends. According to the invention, a plug fitting is provided, that offers a high degree of safety during assembly and that can be easily handled. This end is achieved in that a protective cap (15) may be placed on the free end of the insertable section facing away from the middle part (4) and in that the protective cap (15) engages with the ring chamber (17) in a sealing and contact-free manner in relation to the clamping ring (9). Each plug fitting is supplied by the manufacturer with said protective cap (15). This ensures that, until the protective cap is removed for assembly of the plug fitting, no contamination, particularly dirt, will be able to penetrate the insertable section.