Push-To-Connect Plumbing Fitting for Tool-Free Sealing and Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conduit connectors are difficult to assemble, require special tools, or necessitate manual deformation to achieve a watertight seal, and many are irreversibly coupled to conduits, making them hard to uncouple and reuse.
Innovation Solution
A push-to-connect fitting that includes a connector body, a sealing member, a grab ring, a cartridge, a retainer sleeve, a plurality of latches, and an interference portion, which allows for easy assembly without tools, provides a watertight seal, and can be uncoupled without damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional threaded connectors are used, then a watertight seal can be achieved, but special tools (wrenches) are required and assembly is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional threaded mechanical connection system with a push-to-connect system that uses radial expansion of a collar to create a seal. Instead of requiring rotational threading with wrenches, the collar is pushed axially to expand radially and seal against the conduit, eliminating the need for threading tools and complex assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the collar material, specifically its ability to undergo radial expansion when subjected to axial force. The collar transitions from a compressed state during insertion to an expanded state during sealing, creating the watertight connection without threads. This parameter change enables tool-free assembly while maintaining seal reliability.
2Strength
If manual deformation is used to join connector parts, then a secure connection can be achieved, but the process is complex and requires manual effort
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is designed to perform self-service by automatically expanding radially when pushed axially onto the conduit. The deformation required for secure connection is achieved through the material's own elastic properties rather than requiring external manual deformation tools or processes. The collar self-adjusts to create the secure connection through its inherent material characteristics.
3Strength
If welded or soldered joints are used, then permanent secure connection is achieved, but the connector cannot be removed or reused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic, reversible connection system where the collar can transition between engaged and disengaged states. Unlike static welded or soldered joints, the push-to-connect mechanism allows the collar to be compressed for installation and then released for removal. This dynamic capability enables the connector to be reused while maintaining strong connection strength during the engaged state.
4Ease of operation
If simple push-to-connect design is used, then ease of assembly is improved, but burst resistance may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs composite material construction, combining a polymeric body with a metal collar. The polymeric body provides sealing and structural support, while the metal collar provides the necessary strength and rigidity for burst resistance. This composite approach maintains ease of assembly through the push-to-connect mechanism while achieving the structural integrity required for high-pressure applications.
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 push-to-connect fitting achieves a fluid-tight seal at pressures several times greater than expected operational pressures, is easy to assemble manually, and can be uncoupled without tools, enhancing usability and durability.
Implementation Method 1
The interference portion is interposed between the connector body and the retainer sleeve when the push-to-connect fitting is assembled. The interference portion is configured to engage the retainer sleeve to substantially prevent rotation of the retainer sleeve relative to the connector body.
Data Source
AI summary
The push-to-connect fitting includes a connector body, a sealing member, a grab ring, a cartridge, a retainer sleeve, a plurality of latches, and an interference portion. The sealing member is configured to form a sealing engagement with a fluid conduit. The grab ring includes a plurality of teeth configured for coupling to the fluid conduit. The retainer sleeve is received over at least part of the cartridge and is received over at least part of the connector body. The plurality of latches are located on the retainer sleeve and are configured to secure the retainer sleeve to the connector body to facilitate retention of the sealing member, the grab ring, and the cartridge. The interference portion is configured to engage the retainer sleeve to substantially prevent rotation of the retainer sleeve relative to the connector body.