Push-to-Connect Joint Assembly for Reusable Leak-Free Pipe Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing piping systems face challenges in connecting unlike materials, such as copper with CPVC or PEX, and lack the ability to reconnect or repair fittings without damaging internal components, leading to increased labor and manufacturing costs, and they do not provide a leak-free seal without brazing, welding, or threading.
Innovation Solution
A push-to-connect joint assembly that uses a fitting with integrated compartments for sealing rings, fastening rings, and retainers, allowing connection and disconnection without tools, threading, or glues, and can join both like and unlike materials, creating a leak-free seal, and withstand up to 5,000 pounds of pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional brazing or welding methods are used to connect pipe fittings, then the joint strength and seal reliability are improved, but the labor time, manufacturing cost, and safety risks increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal field system (brazing/welding with torches and heat) with a mechanical field system (push-to-connect fittings with mechanical fastening rings and sealing rings). The mechanical fastening ring with teeth grips the pipe externally while the sealing ring creates an internal seal, eliminating the need for heat-based joining methods and significantly reducing labor time and safety risks while maintaining joint reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components (fastening ring with teeth and sealing ring) that mediate between the fitting and the pipe. These intermediaries create the connection mechanically rather than through direct thermal bonding, allowing for quick installation without specialized skills or equipment while ensuring both structural integrity and leak-free sealing
2Productivity
If push-fit technology is used to reduce brazing time and materials, then labor time and material requirements are reduced, but the ability to reconnect or repair fittings is lost due to damage to internal components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fitting into distinct functional components: a body portion, a removable fastening ring with teeth, and a sealing ring. This segmentation allows the fastening ring to be independently manipulated - it can be compressed radially inward to release the pipe grip and radially outward to engage the pipe, enabling repeated connection and disconnection cycles without damaging internal components while maintaining quick installation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic functionality through the fastening ring's ability to change its radial position. The fastening ring can dynamically transition between an engaged state (teeth gripping the pipe externally) and a disengaged state (teeth retracted), allowing the fitting to be easily reconnected or repaired multiple times while maintaining the speed benefits of push-fit technology
3Ease of operation
If fittings are designed for single-use push-connect, then installation simplicity is improved, but the versatility to connect unlike materials and reuse fittings is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the fitting with universal applicability by using the fastening ring's external gripping mechanism that works with any cylindrical pipe regardless of material composition. The sealing ring provides a universal seal interface, and the body portion accommodates various pipe configurations. This multi-functional design enables the same fitting to connect unlike materials (copper, CPVC, PEX, stainless steel) while maintaining installation simplicity through the push-connect mechanism
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 the re-use of fittings without damage, supports both like and unlike materials, and provides a leak-free seal, reducing labor and manufacturing costs while maintaining structural integrity in HVAC environments.
Implementation Method 1
The fastening ring is provided with teeth that grip the pipe as it is inserted. The fastening ring device is employed to provide opposing energy, preventing the device from disconnection
Implementation Method 2
The sealing ring is positioned within the first axially intermediate portion... creating a positive seal
Implementation Method 3
When the release pusher is pushed axially inward, the external tip pushes the back face of the fastening ring teeth axially inwardly, compressing the teeth against the outer surface of the inserted pipe
Data Source
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AI summary
A push-to-connect joint assembly, device and method include a fitting formed with an interior wall having axially inner, axially intermediate and axially outer portions that facilitate re-use and repair of push-to-connect fittings and valves without damage to the fitting or valve elements or the pipe, and without coining, gluing or threaded engagement of parts. In embodiments, a packing arrangement inserted into a fitting includes a sealing member, a fastening ring, a seat ring, and a retainer including a shield member and/or a seat retainer.