Self-Flaring Tube Connection for Leak-Tight High-Pressure Joining
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tube connections face issues such as the need for specialized equipment for deformation, inadequate handling of axial and radial forces due to tapering threads, and inefficiencies in brazing processes, which are time-consuming and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A tube connection with a thread that increases in maximum diameter and decreases in minimum diameter along the axial direction, allowing for a flared tube end shape without relying on a single thread turn, and optionally using a cylindrical surface for support and a seal for leak-tightness, which can be achieved without specialized tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a tapering thread is used to simplify the connection process, then the ease of operation is improved, but the strength to withstand axial and radial forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the thread by maintaining a constant pitch diameter while allowing the maximum and minimum diameters to vary along the axial direction. This creates a thread profile that balances ease of insertion with mechanical strength, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and force resistance.
2Reliability
If specialized equipment is used to deform the tube end for ridge formation, then the reliability of connection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tube end deformation is achieved through the self-flaring action caused by the constant pitch diameter thread geometry during the insertion process. The tube material deforms itself into the required flared shape without requiring external specialized equipment, thus maintaining reliability while reducing device complexity.
3Strength
If brazing is used to create strong connections for high pressure applications, then the strength is improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to time consumption and labor intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal brazing process with a mechanical thread-based connection system. The constant pitch diameter thread creates a flared tube end that forms a mechanically strong connection capable of withstanding high pressures, while eliminating the time-consuming and labor-intensive brazing operations, thus improving productivity.
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
This solution provides a reliable, leak-tight connection that withstands axial and radial forces without requiring specialized tools, suitable for both repairs and high-pressure applications, and is adaptable for short-term orders and long tubes.
Implementation Method 1
The minimum diameter of the thread which will deform the material of the tube when rotated inwardly in the through hole. The deformed material will be pushed into the space provided by the increasing maximum diameter of the thread.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a Tube connection for example a hose fitting for connection to a tube, which tube connection comprises a body having a through hole with a central axis, a first end, a second end, an internal thread arranged close to the first end and coaxial with the central axis, wherein the internal thread has a constant pitch diameter, wherein the maximum diameter of the thread increases in axial direction from the first end towards the second end and wherein the minimum diameter of the thread decrease in axial direction from the first end towards the second end.