Push-to-Connect Fitting Integrated Gripping Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing push-to-connect plumbing fittings are complex and costly to manufacture due to the need for expensive tooling and forming processes, making them expensive and less competitive in a vigorous market.
Innovation Solution
A push-to-connect plumbing fitting design featuring a housing with internal and external O-rings for independent sizing, and cartridges made of polymeric materials that can be easily assembled, along with a gripping ring and release mechanism, eliminating the need for crimping or soldering and allowing for inexpensive production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional push-to-connect fittings use metal gripping rings with tines and separate O-rings, then reliable conduit holding and sealing is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the gripping ring and O-rings into a single integrated molded component. The gripping ring is formed as one piece with embedded O-rings, eliminating the need for separate metal gripping rings and multiple O-ring installations. This merging reduces the number of parts, simplifies manufacturing processes, and lowers assembly complexity while maintaining the reliable conduit holding and sealing functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping ring is constructed as a composite structure combining a polymeric matrix material with embedded metallic or non-metallic reinforcement elements (such as stainless steel wire or mesh). This composite construction provides the mechanical strength and elasticity needed for reliable conduit gripping while allowing the entire assembly to be molded as a single piece, reducing manufacturing complexity compared to traditional separate metal components.
2Ease of operation
If push-to-connect fittings require separate tools for conduit removal, then conduit can be disconnected, but additional tool requirements increase operational complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping ring incorporates an integrated release mechanism that allows conduit removal through a simple pushing or twisting motion of the fitting body itself. The molded structure includes internal cam surfaces or flexible zones that, when actuated by the user's hand, automatically release the conduit without requiring any external tools. This self-service design eliminates the need for separate disconnection tools and simplifies the operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional fittings use integrally molded cartridges, then assembly is simplified, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge assembly is divided into multiple separate components including the gripping ring with embedded O-rings, the conduit stop, and the housing. These segmented parts are manufactured independently using standard molding processes with relaxed precision requirements, then assembled together using simple snap-fit or interference connections. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured with conventional tolerances while achieving the same functional result as integrally molded cartridges.
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 results in a cost-effective, easy-to-assemble, and reliable push-to-connect fitting that provides a fluid-tight connection without requiring additional tools for conduit removal, enhancing manufacturing efficiency and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
An O-ring is positioned within the internal annular groove to provide a seal with a fluid conduit, and a second O-ring is positioned within the outer annular groove to provide a seal between the first cartridge and the housing
Implementation Method 2
A gripping ring is positioned in the housing adjacent and in contact with the first cartridge and has inwardly projecting annularly spaced tines for gripping and holding a fluid conduit inserted into the housing past the gripping ring
Implementation Method 3
the housing includes a lip at one end to engage the second cartridge for holding the first and second cartridges and the gripping ring in compression against the annular shoulder in the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A housing for receiving a fluid conduit has an internal annular shoulder. A cylindrical first cartridge is positioned in the housing and has an internal annular groove and an outer annular groove. An O-ring in the internal annular groove provides a seal with a fluid conduit. A second O-ring is positioned within the outer annular groove to provide a seal between the first cartridge and the housing. A gripping ring is positioned adjacent and in contact with the first cartridge and has inwardly projecting annularly spaced tines for gripping and holding a fluid conduit inserted into the housing. A second cylindrical cartridge is positioned adjacent the gripping ring on a side opposite the first cartridge. The housing includes a lip at one end to engage the second cartridge for holding the first and second cartridges and the gripping ring against the annular shoulder in the housing.