Push-Fit Joint Assembly for Reusable High-Pressure Pipe Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing piping systems face challenges in connecting different materials like copper, CPVC, and stainless steel, and lack the ability to easily disconnect, repair, or reuse fittings without damaging them, due to the need for soldering, threading, or coining, which increases labor and manufacturing costs and reduces flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A push-fit joint assembly that uses a release pusher member to facilitate the connection and disconnection of piping elements without tools, solder, or glues, and includes a sealing ring member, fastening ring, fastening ring support member, shield member, and retaining ring member to create a leak-free seal and withstand high pressures, allowing for the connection of like and unlike materials without coining or threading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional soldering or threading methods are used to connect piping elements, then the connection strength and sealability are improved, but the assembly time, labor cost, and manufacturing complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical connection methods (soldering, threading, coining) with a purely mechanical push-fit system using a fastening ring with teeth that grip the pipe externally, eliminating the need for thermal processes or complex assembly steps while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is divided into distinct functional components: a sealing member for leak-free sealing, a fastening ring with teeth for mechanical grip, and a release pusher for tool-free disconnection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently without requiring complex integrated processes
2Productivity
If push-fit technology is used to reduce assembly time and labor, then the connection process becomes simpler and faster, but the ability to disconnect and reuse fittings is limited due to permanent deformation from coining or threading
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening ring is designed as a resilient, spring-like component that can dynamically adjust its grip on the pipe. When the release pusher is activated, the fastening ring can be temporarily deformed to release its grip, allowing tool-free disconnection and reuse of the fitting without permanent damage
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting components are designed to be reusable rather than disposable. The fastening ring and sealing members can be recovered and reused multiple times through the release mechanism, eliminating the need to discard fittings after single use and reducing waste
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple materials (copper, CPVC, stainless steel) need to be connected, then the system versatility is improved, but the compatibility and sealing effectiveness across different materials become more difficult to ensure
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member is designed with universal compatibility to work with multiple pipe materials including copper, CPVC, and stainless steel. The sealing mechanism uses a combination of external gripping teeth on the fastening ring and an internal sealing member that can adapt to different material surfaces, ensuring reliable sealing across diverse materials without requiring material-specific fittings
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 reuse of fittings without damage, provides a leak-free seal, and can withstand up to 3600 pounds of pressure, making it suitable for HVAC environments, while reducing assembly time and costs by eliminating the need for complex assembly steps and materials.
Implementation Method 1
The fastening ring device is employed to provide opposing energy, preventing the device from disconnection while creating a positive seal
Data Source
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AI summary
A push fitting joint packaging arrangement allows the 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 one embodiment of the present invention, the arrangement comprises a sealing member, a fastening ring, a retaining ring member and a shield member. In various embodiments, the shield member has a substantially cylindrical interior surface, and a non-cylindrical exterior surface.