Push-to-Connect Conduit Fitting With Collet Retainer Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conduit fittings require multiple actions or additional steps for secure connection and sealing, which can be cumbersome and prone to leaks, especially under pressure.
Innovation Solution
A single-action push-to-connect fitting assembly with a circumferential groove and retainer system that includes a colleting portion to securely grip and seal conduits with a single axial movement, utilizing a seal device and retainer components to form a fluid-tight connection without subsequent actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional multi-step fitting connection methods are used, then secure connection and sealing can be achieved, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (gripping, sealing, and locking) into a single integrated retainer component. The retainer includes a gripping portion with teeth that engage the conduit, a seal portion that forms a fluid-tight seal, and a colleting portion that applies radial compressive force, all operating simultaneously through a single axial insertion motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer is pre-configured with resilient members (springs) that are compressed during insertion to store elastic energy. This preliminary compression of the resilient members enables the gripping teeth and seal portion to engage the conduit automatically upon insertion, without requiring additional tightening or assembly steps.
2Reliability
If traditional connection methods are used, then sealing can be achieved, but the system becomes prone to leaks under pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer features a seal portion with specific local properties (soft, compliant material) that is positioned to contact the conduit outer surface at a critical sealing location. The gripping portion has hard, toothed surfaces for mechanical engagement, while the colleting portion applies distributed radial pressure, creating different local qualities within a single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer incorporates resilient members (springs) that dynamically adjust the gripping force and seal pressure based on the applied axial load. As axial force increases, the springs compress further, increasing the radial compressive force from the colleting portion and maintaining optimal sealing pressure under varying system pressures.
3Productivity
If single-action push-to-connect is implemented, then operation speed increases, but ensuring secure grip and seal under pressure becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient members (springs) in the retainer are designed to dynamically respond to applied axial loads. During single-action insertion, the springs compress and convert axial force into radial gripping force through mechanical leverage, automatically increasing grip strength as the conduit is pushed in, ensuring secure connection without requiring multiple adjustment steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping portion features curved or tapered surfaces that conform to the cylindrical conduit geometry. The teeth on the gripping portion are arranged to engage the conduit outer surface at optimal angles, distributing the gripping force evenly around the conduit circumference to maximize friction and mechanical interlocking.
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
Enables quick, secure, and leak-proof connections with minimal effort, maintaining integrity under various pressure conditions and allowing for easy conduit insertion and removal without additional assembly steps.
Implementation Method 1
The seal device forms a seal between one of the first and second fitting components and an outer surface of the conduit end portion
Implementation Method 2
a colleting portion outboard of the gripping portion and configured to apply a colleting force to the outer surface of the conduit end portion
Data Source
AI summary
A fitting assembly includes a first fitting component having an outboard end that receives the conduit end portion, a second fitting component joined to the first fitting component to define an interior cavity, a seal device disposed in the interior cavity, and a retainer assembled with at least one of the first and second fitting components. The seal device forms a seal between one of the first and second fitting components and an outer surface of a conduit end portion. The retainer includes a gripping portion received in a circumferential groove of the conduit end portion to grip the conduit end portion, and a colleting portion outboard of the gripping portion and configured to apply a colleting force to the outer surface of the conduit end portion at least when an outboard axial load is applied to the conduit.