Tube Fitting Assembly for Precise Positioning and Airtight Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tube connection methods, such as welding, require specialized skills and tools, pose fire hazards, and struggle with maintaining airtightness and accurately determining tube positions, especially when tubes of different lengths are connected.
Innovation Solution
A tube fitting device with a cylindrical channel, O-ring, and rotatable fixing nuts, which includes a collet for sealing and a protecting portion to prevent damage, allowing for easy position determination and temporary fixation without welding, using an adhesive tape to prevent rotation and maintain distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If welding is used to connect tubes, then connection strength is improved, but specialized skills and tools are required, and fire hazards occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the welding process (thermal/chemical connection) with a mechanical connection system consisting of a fitting body, fixing nuts, and collets. The collets mechanically grip the tubes when the fixing nuts are tightened, providing a secure connection without fire hazards or specialized welding skills.
2Strength
If welding is used to connect tubes, then connection strength is improved, but working time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical assembly process of inserting tubes into the fitting body and tightening fixing nuts is significantly faster than the welding process, which requires preparation, execution, and cooling time. The mechanical system allows for rapid connection without specialized skills.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tubes of different lengths are connected, then adaptability is improved, but position determination becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual indicators (protruding inner surfaces of the O-ring and tapered inclined surfaces) that provide clear visual feedback for correct tube positioning. These features make it easy to determine when tubes of different lengths are properly inserted, solving the position determination problem.
4Adaptability or versatility
If fitting device is moved to accommodate different tube lengths, then adaptability is improved, but position determination becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The visual indicators (O-ring protrusions and tapered surfaces) remain fixed on the fitting device, providing consistent reference points for tube positioning regardless of tube length variations. This eliminates the need to move the fitting device while maintaining accurate position determination.
5Measurement precision
If O-ring with smaller inner diameter is used, then position determination is improved, but airtightness requirement becomes more stringent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the O-ring within the fitting body's cylindrical channel portion, creating a sealed chamber. The O-ring's smaller inner diameter provides the positioning function, while the nesting structure ensures airtightness by containing the O-ring within the fitting body's geometry.
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
Enables airtight and secure tube connections without specialized skills or tools, allowing for easy position determination and temporary fixation, reducing the risk of fire hazards and improving efficiency in connecting tubes of varying lengths.
Implementation Method 1
an O-ring mounted in the accommodation groove and having an inner diameter smaller than that of the cylindrical channel portion such that the inner surface of the O-ring protrudes inside the fitting body to facilitate determining positions of the first tube and the second tube
Implementation Method 2
a collet inside each fixing nut, the each collet comprising: a mounting portion provided inside the fixing nut; a bending portion connected to the mounting portion, the bending portion comprising a bending groove formed therein, and an end portion located at an inclined gap of the fitting body such that the bending portion enters the gap to be downwardly bent when the fixing nut is tightened
Implementation Method 3
a pair of fixing nuts, each fixing nut rotatably coupled to a respective open end of the fitting body and surrounding a respective one of the first tube and the second tube
Data Source
AI summary
A tube fitting device for facilitating tube connection position determination includes a fitting body, a pair of fixing nuts, and an O-ring. The fitting body has a cylindrical channel portion into which a first tube and a second tube may be inserted, the cylindrical channel portion comprising an accommodation groove formed therein. Each fixing nut is rotatably coupled to a respective open end of the fitting body and surrounds the first tube and the second tube, respectively. The O-ring is mounted on the accommodation groove and has an inner diameter smaller than that of the cylindrical channel portion such that the inner surface of the O-ring protrudes inside the fitting body to facilitate determining positions of the first tube and the second tube to be inserted into the cylindrical channel of the fitting body.