Tube Fitting Snap Coupling with Elastomeric Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tubing connections, both threaded and quick-connect, face issues such as improper torque application, ergonomic challenges due to high torque values, and difficulty in installation in hard-to-reach spaces, leading to prolonged assembly times and lack of indication for proper connection.
Innovation Solution
A tube fitting system featuring a snap coupling mechanism with elastomeric seals and angled surfaces on tines and shoulders, allowing for tool-less installation and providing tactile, aural, and visual indications of proper sealing, while ensuring a secure connection with a higher disconnection force than connection force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If threaded connection members are used to fasten tubing connections, then connection strength is improved, but torque application complexity and ergonomic challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into a male connection member with locking features and a female connection member with corresponding locking features. This segmentation allows the connection to be made through simple insertion and locking engagement rather than complex threaded fastening, reducing torque application complexity while maintaining connection strength through the distributed locking mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
Elastomeric seals are introduced as intermediary elements between the male and female connection members. These seals provide the necessary sealing function that would otherwise require precise metal-to-metal contact under high torque, thereby reducing the torque required for proper connection while maintaining connection integrity and sealing effectiveness
2Reliability
If high torque values are used for metal on metal seals, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but ergonomic challenges and risk of over-tightening increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing mechanism transitions from metal-to-metal contact requiring high torque to elastomeric seal compression requiring lower torque. This parameter change in the sealing interface material properties allows effective sealing at reduced torque levels, improving ergonomics and eliminating the need for precise torque control to prevent over-tightening
Solution Approach 2:
Elastomeric seals serve as intermediary elements that deform under compression to create effective seals. This intermediary sealing mechanism requires significantly less force than rigid metal-to-metal sealing, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining reliable sealing through the compliant nature of the elastomeric material
3Strength
If threaded connections are used, then connection strength is improved, but installation time and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking features are pre-configured on both male and female connection members during manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex assembly procedures during installation, as the connection is made through simple insertion and automatic locking engagement, thereby increasing assembly speed while maintaining connection strength through the pre-engineered locking mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into distinct male and female members with complementary locking features. This segmentation allows for rapid assembly through simple engagement of the locking features without requiring complex threaded fastening procedures, thereby improving productivity while maintaining connection integrity through the distributed locking mechanism
4Productivity
If traditional quick-connect couplings are used, then assembly speed is improved, but connection reliability and sealing effectiveness decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-connect mechanism is segmented into multiple locking features distributed around the circumference of the connection members. This segmentation provides multiple engagement points that collectively ensure reliable connection and effective sealing, overcoming the limitations of single-point quick-connect mechanisms while maintaining rapid assembly capability
Solution Approach 2:
Elastomeric seals are introduced as intermediary elements in the quick-connect mechanism. These seals provide reliable sealing through compression as the locking features engage, thereby improving connection reliability and sealing effectiveness while maintaining the rapid assembly advantage of quick-connect couplings
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 rapid and secure assembly of tubing connections with reduced torque and axial force requirements, preventing over-tightening and allowing for easy installation in confined spaces, while maintaining a secure seal and facilitating quick disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastomeric seal disposed between the first fitting member and the third fitting member
Implementation Method 2
the mating snap coupling is configured to engage the snap coupling to effect coupling of the first and second coupling member
Implementation Method 3
engagement between an angled surface of a tine portion of the third fitting member and an angled surface of a shoulder portion of the first side tube fitting
Data Source
AI summary
A tube fitting includes a first coupling member having at least a snap coupling, a second coupling member having a first quick-connect side with a mating snap coupling disposed at a first end of the second coupling member, and at least one elastomeric seal disposed on the second coupling member, and a sleeve member configured to interface with the first coupling member and the at least one elastomeric seal, wherein the sleeve member is disposed between and retained by the first coupling member and the second coupling member and the snap coupling and mating snap coupling effect coupling of the first coupling member and the second coupling member.