Push-To-Connect Plumbing Fitting With Anti-Rotation Retainer
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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 some 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, allowing for easy assembly without tools, reversible coupling, and a fluid-tight seal at high pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If threaded connectors are used to join conduits, then a secure connection is achieved, but special tools (wrenches) are required and assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the threaded mechanical fastening system with a push-to-connect system that uses radial expansion and axial engagement. The connector body expands radially to grip the conduit internally, while the retainer sleeve with latches provides axial retention, eliminating the need for threading and wrenches while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into distinct functional components: a connector body for radial expansion and gripping, a retainer sleeve with latches for axial retention, and a seal member for fluid tightness. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without requiring complex integrated mechanisms.
2Strength
If manual deformation is used to join connector parts, then a secure connection is achieved, but the process becomes complex and requires user skill
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body performs self-gripping by expanding radially when the retainer sleeve is pushed onto it. The latches automatically engage with the connector body during assembly, and the seal member self-seals against the conduit. This self-assembling mechanism eliminates the need for manual deformation or complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector body is pre-configured with an expandable structure that automatically grips the conduit when the retainer sleeve is installed. The latches are pre-positioned to engage with the connector body during the pushing motion, eliminating the need for post-assembly adjustments or manual deformation steps.
3Strength
If welded or soldered joints are used to couple conduits, then a permanent secure connection is achieved, but the connector cannot be removed and reused
Solution Approach 1:
The connection is designed to be dynamically adjustable between a secure locked state (when latches engage the connector body) and a releasable state (when latches are disengaged). This allows the same connector to provide permanent-sealing strength during operation while enabling removal and reuse when needed, unlike welded or soldered joints.
4Ease of operation
If a simple push-to-connect design is used, then ease of assembly is improved, but burst resistance and sealing reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connector uses a composite structure combining a rigid connector body for structural strength and burst resistance, a flexible seal member for reliable sealing, and a retainer sleeve with latches for mechanical retention. This composite design maintains high reliability while preserving ease of assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector body features a curved, radially expandable structure that uniformly distributes stress around the conduit, enhancing burst resistance. The spherical or cylindrical geometry provides optimal stress distribution compared to angular or flat designs, maintaining reliability under pressure.
Data Source
AI summary
A push-to-connect fitting including 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.