Torque-Adapted Tubing Fitting Assembly for Consistent Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing threaded fittings for tubing connections are not designed for use with torque wrenches or torque drivers, making it difficult to achieve a consistent and sufficient force for leak-free connections, which is crucial for transporting fluids or gases.
Innovation Solution
A fitting assembly with a head featuring alternating oblique gripping portions and a torque adaptor that allows for secure engagement with a torque tool, including washers and an O-ring to distribute force evenly and prevent damage from excessive torque, enabling the use of conventional torque tools for tightening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If existing threaded fittings are used for hand tight insertion, then the device is simple and easy to manufacture, but the sealing force is insufficient and inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting head is segmented into multiple gripping portions (first gripping portions and second gripping portions) with different lengths, allowing different tools to engage with different portions. This segmentation enables the same fitting structure to accommodate both hand tightening and torque tool application, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and sufficient sealing force.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting head is designed with multiple gripping portions that serve multiple functions: the first gripping portions accommodate torque tools for high-force applications, while the second gripping portions allow hand tightening for lower-force applications. This multi-functionality allows a single fitting design to achieve both sufficient sealing force and ease of manufacture.
2Manufacturing precision
If a torque wrench is used to tighten existing fittings, then the sealing force becomes consistent, but the fittings are not designed for torque tool engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The head is divided into first gripping portions (longer) for torque tool engagement and second gripping portions (shorter) for hand operation. This segmentation provides dedicated engagement surfaces for torque tools, enabling consistent tightening torque while maintaining ease of operation for both tool-based and hand-based installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The first gripping portions act as an intermediary between the torque tool and the fitting shaft, providing a dedicated engagement interface that translates torque tool rotation into consistent tightening force on the threaded shaft, thereby achieving manufacturing precision in tightening torque.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the head has multiple gripping portions for different tools, then the adaptability increases, but the head design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The head is segmented into alternating first and second gripping portions around its circumference, creating a pattern that provides multiple tool engagement points. This segmented design increases adaptability to different tools while maintaining a relatively simple geometric pattern that is easy to manufacture through standard machining processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second gripping portions have different lengths, creating an asymmetric pattern around the head circumference. This asymmetry provides differentiated engagement surfaces for different tool types while maintaining overall rotational symmetry that simplifies manufacturing. The alternating pattern ensures that at least one gripping portion is always accessible regardless of the tube's orientation.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments provide a fitting for tubing connection, a male fitting assembly, and a torque adaptor. The fitting for tubing connection includes a head including a plurality of first gripping portions, each first gripping portion extending from a top of the head; and a shaft attached to the head, wherein the shaft comprises a plurality of external threads.