Split Polymer Tube Connector Nut for Multi-Diameter Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling assemblies for connecting tubes in corrosive and high-purity fluid transport systems are inadequate in sealing, size, and interchangeability, leading to leakage and compatibility issues with tubes of different diameters.
Innovation Solution
A modular connector assembly featuring an annular nut body with a circumferential split and pliable bridge, combined with a radially projecting flange and external threadings, allows for secure sealing and adaptation to various tube diameters by using a single nut with multiple rings and receiving parts, ensuring effective sealing and compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional nut is used for tube containment, then the tube is secured, but sealing is inadequate and leakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The nut is divided into multiple circumferential portions (at least two) separated by circumferential splits, with bridge portions connecting them. This segmentation allows each portion to independently deform and conform to the tube surface, creating multiple sealing contact points that prevent leakage while maintaining secure containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge portions are designed with specific material properties and geometric configurations that allow controlled deformation under compression. When the nut is tightened, the bridge portions elastically deform to match the tube's curvature and surface irregularities, optimizing the sealing contact pressure distribution and preventing fluid leakage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single nut design is used for all tube diameters, then interchangeability is improved, but adequate sealing for different sizes becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The nut design incorporates multiple circumferential portions with bridge portions that can independently deform to accommodate tubes of various diameters. This universal design allows a single nut type to effectively seal and secure tubes across a range of sizes by adjusting the deformation of its segmented structure, maintaining both interchangeability and sealing reliability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the nut structure is simplified, then manufacturing is easier, but adaptability to different tube diameters is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented structure with circumferential splits and bridge portions is formed through a single molding process, simplifying manufacturing despite the complex final geometry. The segmentation inherently provides adaptability to different tube diameters through elastic deformation, achieving both manufacturing ease and versatility without requiring multiple nut types or complex assembly steps.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a nut for a connector assembly for a tube including: an annular nut body including a polymer and oriented down a central axis, the annular nut body including: a circumferential split defining a first circumferential portion and a second circumferential portion, where the first circumferential portion and the second circumferential portion are flexibly connected by a pliable bridge portion, where the first circumferential portion includes a first circumferential end and the second circumferential portion includes a second circumferential end, where the first circumferential end and the second circumferential end each include a coupling component adapted to fix the first circumferential end and the second circumferential end together.