Push-to-Connect Face Seal Fitting for Leak-Free Fluid Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid connection systems face challenges with threaded connections, including operator fatigue from applying high torque, galling due to friction, and potential leakage from under-torquing, especially in tight spaces and under pressure or vibration.
Innovation Solution
A push-to-connect fluid connection system using a fitting with a spring-loaded seal carrier and retaining snap ring, which maintains a sealed connection without threads, allowing for relative motion and preventing leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tapered threads are used to create a mechanical seal connection, then a sealed connection is achieved, but large torque is required to tighten the threads causing operator fatigue and difficulty in tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the threaded mechanical connection system with a push-to-connect system using a collet mechanism. The collet compresses radially onto the tube when pushed, creating a mechanical grip without requiring threading or high torque. This substitution eliminates the need for wrenches and complex threading operations while maintaining a reliable sealed connection through the combination of the collet's mechanical grip and the seal element's radial sealing action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the threaded connection component entirely from the fluid connection system. By removing the threading mechanism and replacing it with a push-to-connect interface featuring a collet and seal element, the design simplifies the connection process and eliminates the operational difficulties associated with threading, such as torque application and alignment requirements.
2Strength
If large torque is applied to tighten threaded connections, then a secure connection is achieved, but galling occurs due to friction between threads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the threaded mechanical interface that generates friction and galling with a push-to-connect mechanism. The collet compresses radially onto the tube without relative motion or friction, and the seal element provides sealing through radial compression rather than threaded friction. This eliminates the galling phenomenon entirely while maintaining strong mechanical connection through the collet's gripping force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a seal element as an intermediary between the connection components. This seal element provides both sealing function and a low-friction interface that prevents direct metal-to-metal contact between the fitting and tube, thereby eliminating galling while maintaining connection strength through the combined mechanical grip of the collet and the sealing action of the intermediate element.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If torque is reduced to prevent galling, then galling is avoided, but the connection becomes loose and leakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the torque-dependent threaded connection with a push-to-connect system where connection strength is achieved through radial compression of the collet onto the tube. The collet's spring-loaded or over-center mechanism maintains constant gripping force without requiring high installation torque, and the connection remains tight under pressure and vibration without the risk of loosening that plagues threaded systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic collet mechanism that can adjust its gripping force in response to applied loads. The collet's spring-loaded or over-center design allows it to maintain optimal compression force on the tube throughout operation, automatically compensating for pressure and vibration loads without requiring precise initial torque setting, thereby ensuring consistent connection tightness without galling.
4Reliability
If threaded connections are used, then a mechanical seal is achieved, but the fitting cannot be removed once galled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the permanent threaded connection with a push-to-connect interface featuring a collet and seal element. The collet's elastic or spring-loaded design allows it to maintain a secure gripping connection during operation but permits easy release when a release mechanism is activated or the connection is pulled apart. This eliminates the permanence and difficulty of removal associated with galled threaded connections while maintaining a reliable sealed connection during service.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the connection system with easy disassembly and recovery capabilities. The collet and seal element are designed to be replaced as a serviceable assembly, allowing quick removal and replacement of the fitting or tube without damaging either component. This facilitates maintenance and repair operations by enabling rapid component replacement while maintaining system reliability through consistent reinstallation of new components.
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 system provides a reliable, leak-proof connection that reduces operator fatigue and prevents galling, maintaining sealing effectiveness even with axial play between components.
Implementation Method 1
a spring having a first end fixedly disposed within the fitting body and a second end interfacing with the first end face of the seal carrier such that the spring applies a biasing force on the seal carrier
Implementation Method 2
Galling occurs as a result of friction between the threads of the fitting and corresponding threads in the tube or manifold
Implementation Method 3
Galling occurs as a result of friction between the threads of the fitting and corresponding threads in the tube or manifold
Data Source
AI summary
An example fitting includes: a fitting body comprising an exterior annular groove formed and configured to receive a retaining snap ring to couple the fitting body to a fluid line connector; a seal carrier slidably accommodated in the fitting body and having: (i) a first end face, (ii) a second end face opposite the first end face, (iii) a first annular groove formed in an exterior peripheral surface of the seal carrier, wherein the first annular groove is configured to receive a radial seal therein, and (iv) a second annular groove formed in the second end face, wherein the second annular groove is configured to receive a face seal therein; and a spring having a first end fixedly disposed within the fitting body and a second end interfacing with the first end face of the seal carrier such that the spring applies a biasing force on the seal carrier.