Torque Fitting with Plastic Cap and Metal Core
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque fittings for connecting capillaries or hoses have limitations, particularly in demanding applications like chemical, pharmaceutical, and medical techniques, where they can lead to leakage, dead volume, and require frequent tool changes for design variations.
Innovation Solution
A device for connecting tubes or hoses, featuring a core element with a threaded section made of metal or metal alloy, and a cap element with a plastic material, where an intermediate element provides a coupling between the core and cap elements, allowing for improved torque transfer and reduced setting behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a plastic core element is used in torque fittings, then manufacturing cost is reduced and production is simplified, but setting behavior occurs leading to leakage and dead volume
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting is divided into two functional segments: a plastic cap element for torque transfer and a metal core element for reliable threading. This segmentation allows each material to perform its optimal function - plastic for cost-effective torque coupling and metal for leak-free threaded connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining plastic and metal materials in a single fitting assembly. The plastic cap element provides economical torque transfer while the metal core element ensures reliable, leakage-free threading, creating a hybrid solution that leverages the advantages of both materials.
2Productivity
If plastic injection molding is used for core element and cap element, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but design changes require new injection molding tools
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the torque transfer function (plastic cap) from the threading function (metal core), the invention allows the metal core to be manufactured using versatile machining methods that can accommodate design changes without requiring expensive new injection molding tools, while the plastic cap can still be efficiently produced via injection molding.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameter of the core element from plastic to metal, which fundamentally alters the manufacturing approach. Metal cores can be produced through machining and forming processes that are more adaptable to design variations, eliminating the need for costly tooling changes while maintaining high production efficiency.
3Ease of manufacture
If plastic threads are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but setting behavior generates leakage and dead volume
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies a metal coating or overlay on the plastic core element, or uses a metal insert, to create a composite thread structure. This combines the manufacturing simplicity of plastic with the precision and stability of metal threads, eliminating setting behavior while maintaining ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The threading function is separated from the main plastic body and implemented as a distinct metal component or coating layer. This segmentation allows the thread-specific requirements for precision and stability to be met through metal properties, while the bulk plastic structure retains its manufacturing advantages.
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
The solution enhances the reliability and long-term stability of capillary connections by reducing the setting behavior of threaded sections and allowing for easier design changes without incurring tool costs, while maintaining high torque transfer capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the torque feature or function between the threaded core element and the cap element having a handle is an overload-ratchet-coupling. During tightening of the torque fitting in a screw connection, the free resilient plastic spring elements spring back when reaching the threshold of the torque.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for connecting a tube or hose, preferably a capillary, comprising a core element having a threaded section for connecting to a connection socket, and a cap element which extends around the core element in the peripheral direction offset from the threaded section in a longitudinal direction, wherein the core element and the cap element are rotationally coupled to one other in a way that a torque applied to the cap element is transferred to the core element, and above a threshold of the torque in a screw-in rotational direction of the core element a relative movement of the cap element is performed relative to the core element instead of the transfer of torque, wherein an intermediate element for providing a coupling between the core element and the cap element is arranged.