Service Valve Fitting With Rotating Cap for Tool-Free Pipe Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fitting devices for pipes and service valves are cumbersome and pose safety risks due to the need for continuous pressing and the use of multiple tools, leading to difficulties in fastening and dismantling, especially in confined spaces, which can result in accidents.
Innovation Solution
A fitting device with a cap handle that expands the inner bore of the fitting housing using a sleeve and ring lock washer spring, allowing for easy insertion and removal of pipes without scratching the pipe surface, and a service valve design that enables fluid control without requiring wrenches in tight spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If both ends of the fitting device are continuously pressed to remove the pipe, then the pipe can be released, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the pressing mechanism movable rather than static. The pressing member is designed to move between a pressing position (where it contacts the pipe to expand the lock washer spring) and a retracted position (where it releases the pipe). This dynamic movement allows the fitting device to automatically transition from a fastening state to a releasing state, eliminating the need for continuous manual pressing and significantly reducing the time and effort required for pipe removal.
2Ease of operation
If a C-shaped tool is used to evenly apply force to both sides of the circular periphery, then the pipe can be separated, but the tool must be carried and managed along with different types of pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple tools into a single integrated fitting device. The pressing member is designed to automatically engage with the pipe and apply evenly distributed force around the circular periphery through its geometric shape and contact points. This integration eliminates the need for separate C-shaped tools and other external instruments, as the fitting device itself contains all necessary components for both fastening and releasing operations across different pipe types and diameters.
3Strength
If the pipe is inserted into the fitting device, then the pipe can be fastened, but the pipe is scratched by the ring lock washer spring and must be cut out for reinsertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary protective element between the ring lock washer spring and the pipe surface. This intermediary component (such as a protective coating, lining, or intermediate layer) prevents direct contact between the metallic spring teeth and the pipe outer surface, thereby eliminating scratching while maintaining the spring's gripping function. The intermediary layer allows the spring to expand and contract for fastening and releasing without damaging the pipe, enabling repeated use without cutting out the inserted portion.
4Ease of operation
If a hexagonal wrench is used to control fluid flow in tight spaces, then the valve can be operated, but multiple types and sizes of wrenches must be carried
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the valve operating mechanism to accept a single standardized tool or even direct manual operation. The valve stem or actuator is designed with a universal interface that can be operated by one type of wrench regardless of size, or alternatively allows direct hand operation. This eliminates the need to carry multiple types and sizes of hexagonal wrenches, as the same operating mechanism works for all valve sizes and configurations, significantly reducing tool requirements while maintaining ease of operation in tight spaces.
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 safe and convenient fastening and dismantling of pipes and service valves by rotating the cap handle, eliminating the need for continuous pressing and multiple tools, and allows for fluid control in narrow spaces without loosening nuts, thereby reducing accident risks.
Implementation Method 1
expands an inner diameter of an inner bore lock washer spring by pressing both ends of the fitting device
Implementation Method 2
a sleeve 35 which moves and presses the ring lock washer spring 25 by rotation of the cap handle 50 so as to expand a diameter of the inner bore
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a service valve including a service valve unit with a valve handle exposed to the outside and a fitting device provided with a fitting housing coupled to the service valve unit at one end of the fitting housing, and more particularly, the present invention provides the service valve including the fitting device, characterized in that the fitting housing includes an outer thread formed by a predetermined length on an outer ring at the other end of the fitting housing, and a first inner boss protruding from the other end at a predetermined depth, in addition, the fitting device includes: a cap handle screwed to the outer thread of the fitting housing; a ring lock washer spring seated on the first inner boss; and a sleeve fitted into an inner bore of the other end and interposed between the ring lock washer spring and the cap handle, wherein the sleeve moves and presses the ring lock washer spring by rotation of the cap handle to expand a diameter of the inner bore, so as to dismantle a pipe previously inserted in the fitting device.