Swage Pipe Connector Assembly for Tool-Free Leak-Free Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current connection techniques for piping systems, such as brazing and press connections, are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and not suitable for stepped or swaged pipe profiles, especially in HVAC environments, and traditional push-fit connections are not adaptable for these designs.
Innovation Solution
A swage connector device and assembly that uses a fastener push ring, sealing ring, fastening ring spreader, retainer grip ring, cap member, and locking clip to create a leak-free connection without tools, clamps, brazing, or gluing, allowing for easy disassembly and re-use without damaging the fitting or pipe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If brazing or welding is used to connect pipes and fittings, then the connection strength and sealability are improved, but the process becomes time-consuming, labor-intensive, and requires multiple materials and safety equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal process of brazing/welding with a mechanical push-fit system. The fitting includes a push-fit mechanism with gripping elements that mechanically engage the pipe, eliminating the need for torches, flux, solder, and other brazing materials while achieving secure connections through pure mechanical force.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex brazing process and materials from the connection system. By removing the need for flux, solder, torches, and safety equipment, the patent simplifies the connection process to a single push-action while maintaining connection reliability through the mechanical grip of the fitting's internal elements.
2Reliability
If press connections are used to connect fittings around pipes, then the connection strength is improved, but the process requires permanent connections that cannot be undone without complete destruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic push-fit mechanism where the gripping elements can expand to secure the pipe during installation, then contract to release it during removal. This dynamic behavior allows the same mechanical connection to provide both strong attachment and easy disassembly, unlike static press connections that require destruction for removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting is segmented into multiple functional elements including the push-fit mechanism, sealing elements, and gripping elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling the connection to be made and broken cleanly without damaging any single element, thus facilitating repair and re-use.
3Ease of operation
If traditional push-fit connections are used, then the ease of installation is improved, but they are not adaptable for stepped or swaged pipe profiles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal push-fit mechanism that can accommodate various pipe profiles including stepped and swaged profiles. The gripping elements are designed to adapt to different geometries, allowing the same fitting to work with multiple pipe types and profiles while maintaining the simplicity of push-fit installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting incorporates localized features such as specific gripping element geometries and internal surface characteristics that are optimized to engage with stepped or swaged pipe profiles. These local adaptations allow the fitting to maintain secure grip on non-uniform pipe surfaces while the overall mechanism remains a simple push-fit design.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a swage connector device and assembly include one or more of a sealing ring, a fastening ring spreader, a retainer grip ring, a cap member and a fastener push ring. The fastener push ring moves axially and engages the fastening ring spreader in order to securely maintain a piping element held within the fitting.