Pipe connectors and systems
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe connection methods, such as soldering, are time-consuming, labor-intensive, hazardous, and pose fire risks, especially in confined spaces, and cannot be used when pipes contain moisture, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns in refrigerant systems.
Innovation Solution
A pipe connector design featuring a housing body with stacked sealing members and a locking mechanism that forms a one-way stop, allowing for quick and secure connection of pipes without soldering, using a segmented collar or swaged configurations to prevent refrigerant leakage and accommodate various pipe types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If soldering is used to connect pipe and fitting, then a fluid-tight seal is achieved, but the connection process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal soldering process with a mechanical compression system. A compression fitting with a compression ring and body applies radial force to deform the pipe onto a tapered seat, creating a mechanical seal that eliminates the need for soldering while maintaining fluid-tight integrity and significantly reducing installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the sealing function from the thermal soldering process and implements it through dedicated sealing components. The compression ring and tapered seat are separate elements designed specifically to create the fluid-tight seal through mechanical deformation, separating the sealing function from the joining process.
2Strength
If soldering is used to connect pipe and fitting, then a strong connection is formed, but fire hazards and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fire-prone thermal soldering process with a cold mechanical compression system. The compression fitting uses radial compressive force to deform the pipe onto a tapered seat, creating a strong mechanical bond without any heat generation, thereby completely eliminating fire hazards while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potential harm of thermal processes into benefit by using controlled mechanical deformation. The compression ring's radial force deforms the pipe material plastically onto the tapered seat, creating an interference fit that is both strong and safe, turning what would be a thermal hazard into a mechanical advantage.
3Reliability
If soldering is used to connect pipe and fitting, then a permanent seal is created, but the process cannot be performed when pipe contains moisture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the moisture-sensitive thermal soldering process with a mechanical compression system that is unaffected by the presence of moisture. The compression ring and tapered seat create a seal through physical deformation and interference fit, a process that can be performed on wet pipes without generating steam or compromising seal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of the sealing process from thermal to mechanical. By using radial compression force instead of heat, the system's adaptability to wet conditions is dramatically improved, as the mechanical deformation process is not inhibited by moisture or steam generation that would occur during soldering.
4Ease of operation
If traditional fittings with openings are used to receive pipe, then connection is achieved, but the process requires precise alignment and positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by having the pipe deform to match the fitting's tapered seat, rather than having the fitting opening precisely match the pipe. The compression ring applies radial force to deform the pipe onto the tapered surface, creating a self-aligning interference fit that tolerates variations in pipe straightness and alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the connection interface by using a tapered seat instead of a cylindrical opening. The conical geometry provides self-centering and self-aligning characteristics during compression, reducing the precision requirements for initial pipe positioning and alignment while ensuring proper seal formation.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe connector includes a housing body defining an axial bore arranged to receive a length of pipe including an enlarged end section. A locking member is split into two or more segments configured to lock the enlarged end section within the axial bore when the locking member is secured to the housing body. A segment coupling member is arranged to detachably secure the two or more segments together outside the axial bore and on a housing top of the housing body. At least one sealing member is positionable on the length of pipe and arranged to compress between the enlarged end section and the locking member. A retaining member is arranged to secure the locking member to the housing body such that the locking member fills a gap between the length of the pipe and an opening of the retaining member.