Torque-Tool Tubing Fitting Assembly for Leak-Free 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 male and female fitting assembly with a head featuring gripping portions, washers, and an O-ring configuration that allows for even force distribution and rotation, enabling the use of torque tools while preventing damage from excessive torque, and a torque adaptor for secure engagement with torque tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing threaded fittings are designed only for hand tight insertion, then the fitting structure remains simple, but the connection force consistency and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting is divided into distinct functional components: a head portion for torque tool engagement, a body portion with external threads for connection, and a flare portion for sealing. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The head portion is designed with multiple gripping portions that serve dual purposes: enabling manual tightening and providing engagement surfaces for torque wrenches or torque drivers. This multi-functionality allows the same fitting to achieve both hand-tight installation and torque-controlled sealing.
2Reliability
If a torque wrench is used to tighten the fitting, then the connection force and sealing reliability improve, but the risk of damage from excessive torque increases
Solution Approach 1:
The head is pre-designed with specific gripping portions that define the maximum torque capacity of the fitting. These gripping portions are engineered to fail or slip at predetermined torque levels, preventing excessive force from being transmitted to the threaded connection and causing damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping portions act as a mechanical buffer that absorbs excess torque energy. When torque exceeds the designed limit, the gripping portions provide a controlled failure mode that protects the critical sealing interface from damage while maintaining connection integrity.
3Ease of operation
If the fitting head includes multiple gripping portions for torque tool engagement, then the ease of operation with torque tools improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping portions are designed with asymmetric geometries that provide different engagement characteristics. Some gripping portions have flat surfaces for wrench engagement, while others have recesses for driver bit insertion. This asymmetric design enables versatile tool compatibility without requiring complex additional components.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2K
Figure 3A~3D
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.