Threaded adapter seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing threaded connections in fluid transport systems, such as those used in air conditioning systems, are prone to leaks due to factors like extreme weather, over-tightening, and material differences, leading to high maintenance and replacement costs and labor.
Innovation Solution
A threaded adapter seal with a fitting component having a gripping section and an externally-threaded section, featuring a non-standard thread angle and a radially-extending indent to secure a sealing component like an O-ring, allowing easy detachment and reconnection, preventing blow-out and reducing installation damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard thread angle connections are used, then installation is simple, but leaks occur due to gaps and overtightening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using a non-standard thread angle (1.75 to 4 degrees) instead of the standard 1.73 degree thread angle. This modification fills gaps that form during installation and prevents leakage, directly resolving the technical contradiction between leak resistance and installation simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning through the indent feature that pre-positions the O-ring seal in a recessed area. This prevents the seal from being extruded or damaged during tightening, providing protective cushioning before overtightening can occur, thereby maintaining leak resistance without requiring complex installation procedures.
2Ease of operation
If gripping section diameter is increased for hand manipulation, then ease of installation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the fitting component into two distinct sections: a gripping section with larger diameter for hand manipulation and an externally-threaded section with smaller diameter for threading. This functional segmentation allows easy hand manipulation while avoiding overall device complexity increase, as each section serves its specific purpose efficiently.
3Reliability
If O-ring seal is used for sealing, then leak prevention improves, but seal blow-out occurs under overtightening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by creating an indent or recess that accommodates the O-ring seal. This pre-positioning protects the seal from extrusion and blow-out during overtightening, maintaining both sealing performance and seal durability simultaneously without requiring complex additional components.
4Reliability
If threaded connection is made tight to prevent leaks, then sealing improves, but installation damage occurs to plastic surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the thread angle to 1.75 to 4 degrees, which is shallower than the standard angle. This allows the threads to engage and seal effectively without requiring excessive tightening force, thereby preventing installation damage to plastic surfaces while maintaining connection seal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning through the indent feature that protects the O-ring seal during tightening. This prevents the seal from being extruded or damaged, allowing the connection to be tightened sufficiently for sealing without causing installation damage to the plastic components.
Data Source
AI summary
A threaded adapter seal comprising fitting and sealing components for fluid transport applications. Opposed gripping and externally-threaded sections in the fitting component each have hollow interiors, and reduced interior and exterior diameter dimensions of the externally-threaded section compared to the gripping section, provide an interior stop separating the fitting component sections and also provide a radially-extending exterior surface therebetween where an indent is present to improve leak-reducing placement, fit, and performance of the sealing component after threaded adapter seal installation is complete. Improved seating and fit of the sealing component prevent overtightening thread damage during installation. Use of a non-standard thread angle for the externally-threaded section in the range of 1.75 to 4 degrees does also. Contemplated use of the threaded adapter seal includes connection of fluid-bearing tubular components, extension tubing, and/or fluid-activated shut-off switches where the addition of a separable threaded connection is desired for maintenance or replacement purposes.