Tube Coupling With Deformable Annular Protuberances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tube fitting designs rely on controlled material specifications and precise tube preparation, which can lead to issues like corrosion, leakage, and increased assembly time due to the need for special tube properties and precise cutting, and do not comply with standards like NACE for certain environments.
Innovation Solution
A coupling system with an inner body featuring interior annular protuberances that deform under a circumferential compressive force from a collar, providing a robust seal and grip without requiring special tube preparation or precise cutting, and can be used with standard materials, allowing for larger dimensional tolerances and improved resistance to axial withdrawal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ferrule compression fittings are used with controlled material specifications and surface hardening processes, then enhanced mechanical properties and seal reliability are achieved, but corrosion resistance deteriorates and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is divided into two separate functional components: an inner body that provides the seal interface with the tube, and a collar that provides the compressive force. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the inner body can be made from corrosion-resistant material while the collar provides the mechanical deformation function.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of hardening the ferrule material to achieve grip and seal, this invention inverts the approach by using a softer inner body that is deformed by external compression to create the seal. The collar applies circumferential compressive force to deform the inner body into the tube, eliminating the need for hardening processes that would compromise corrosion resistance.
2Reliability
If twin ferrule connectors with plastic deformation are used, then enhanced grip and seal are achieved, but the requirement for special tube preparation and controlled material specifications increases assembly time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The inner body is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the sealing surface, accepts the tube insertion, and deforms under compression to create both seal and grip. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate preparation steps and special tube specifications required by traditional ferrule designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameter approach by using a softer inner body material that can be easily deformed by the collar's compressive force. This parameter change allows the system to work with standard tube materials and preparations, eliminating the need for controlled tube material specifications and special preparation procedures.
3Strength
If traditional hardening methods such as nitriding are applied to ferrules, then surface hardness is enhanced, but carbon is induced into the material reducing corrosion resistance
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of hardening the inner body material to achieve the necessary mechanical properties, this invention inverts the approach by using a softer material that achieves grip and seal through deformation by external compression. This eliminates the need for hardening processes that would compromise corrosion resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling is segmented into an inner body and collar, allowing the inner body to be made from corrosion-resistant material without hardening, while the collar provides the mechanical force needed for deformation and sealing.
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 coupling system reduces manufacturing costs, simplifies assembly, and provides a reliable seal and grip across various tube dimensions and materials, including those with scratches, while being compatible with NACE standards and eliminating the need for precise tube preparation.
Implementation Method 1
a collar to be provided around the inner body to apply a circumferential compressive force to deform the body
Implementation Method 2
the body is deformed such that the one or more annular protuberances engage the tube or the like to seal with it
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling for attaching to an end of a tube, pipe, conduit or other round solid or hollow section. The coupling includes an inner body and a collar to be provided around the inner body. The inner body has an interior bore passing through at least a portion thereof to receive a tube and the bore has one or more interior annular protuberances extending into the bore. When the collar is provided around the inner body it applies a circumferential compressive force to deform the inner body such that the one or more annular protuberances engage the tube to seal with it.