Tubing Fitting with Jacket Lock Ring for Axial Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tubing containment systems fail to provide effective secondary containment and leak detection for flexible piping under freezing conditions, as they lack a reliable mechanism for fluid venting and mechanical attachment to prevent axial extension under pressure.
Innovation Solution
A fitting arrangement comprising an adaptor, body, and jacket lock ring with a sealing member and venting mechanism, which compresses corrugated stainless steel tubing to form a metal-to-metal seal and allows fluid to vent through a sealed pathway, while the jacket lock ring provides mechanical attachment and prevents axial extension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tubing containment system is implemented to provide secondary containment, then safety and leak detection capability are improved, but the system fails to provide effective venting and mechanical attachment under freezing conditions
Solution Approach 1:
A venting mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component between the inner and outer containment layers. This venting mechanism includes a vent opening that allows fluid to escape from the containment system under freezing conditions, preventing pressure buildup and material damage while maintaining the integrity of the secondary containment structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a jacket lock ring that changes the mechanical parameters of the containment system by providing rigid mechanical attachment. This lock ring structurally connects the inner and outer containment layers, preventing axial extension and maintaining structural integrity under freezing temperatures and pressure conditions
2Adaptability or versatility
If flexible piping is used to provide flexibility and adaptability, then ease of installation and versatility are improved, but the piping lacks mechanical attachment and axial stability under pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting structure applies local quality by providing rigid mechanical attachment at specific locations (through the jacket lock ring and sealing member) while maintaining flexibility in the flexible piping sections. This allows the system to have both adaptability in installation and stability under pressure where needed
Solution Approach 2:
The containment system uses composite construction with an inner flexible containment layer and an outer protective layer, joined by a rigid jacket lock ring. This composite structure combines the flexibility of the inner layer with the structural stability of the outer layer and lock ring, achieving both adaptability and axial stability
3Reliability
If a sealing mechanism is implemented to prevent leaks, then reliability is improved, but the system lacks a venting pathway for fluid escape
Solution Approach 1:
The venting mechanism is merged with the sealing structure itself. The vent opening is integrated into the fitting body, and the venting function is combined with the sealing function through the same structural components, avoiding additional separate systems and reducing overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The venting mechanism operates automatically through the vent opening, which allows fluid to escape when pressure builds up. The system self-regulates by providing a passive venting pathway that requires no external control or additional complexity, simply relying on pressure differential to open or close the venting function
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 provides a double containment self-venting feature and mechanical attachment, ensuring a reliable seal and leak detection system for flexible piping, suitable for various applications including underground and elevated pressure environments.
Implementation Method 1
compresses corrugated stainless steel tubing to form a metal-to-metal seal
Implementation Method 2
allows fluid to vent through a sealed pathway
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A fitting for use with metal tubing in a jacket, the fitting including: an adaptor having exterior threads at a first adaptor end, the adaptor having a longitudinal passage for fluid flow; a body having interior threads at a first body end, the interior threads engaging the exterior threads to secure the body to the body in a first body cavity; and a jacket lock ring positioned at a second body end, the jacket lock ring including barbs for engaging a surface of the jacket.