Valve Assembly Connector Radial Contraction
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve assemblies for natural gas and plumbing systems face challenges in quickly and easily connecting to pipes, especially in limited spaces, due to the need for specialist tools and adapters, and achieving a secure seal with smooth surfaced copper pipes.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly with a connector featuring a nut, sealing gasket, and integrally formed connector end that radially contracts to grip corrugated hoses, allowing for easy connection without additional adapters and ensuring a metal-metal seal, even in tight spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional olive compression fittings are used to connect valve assembly to smooth surfaced copper pipes, then connection is achieved, but installation requires specialist tools and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into distinct functional components: a compression body with internal threading, a separate compression ring (olive), and a sealing element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while simplifying the overall installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression ring acts as an intermediary element between the valve body and the pipe. It transfers and distributes the compressive force from the valve body onto the pipe, enabling secure connection without requiring direct threading or complex fastening mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adapters are used to connect valve to pipes with incompatible ends, then compatibility is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly incorporates multiple connector types at different ends of the valve body. One end features an olive compression fitting for copper pipes, while the other end has a threaded connector for plastic pipes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate adapters, allowing direct connection to different pipe types.
3Productivity
If traditional connection methods are used in areas of limited space, then connection is achieved, but installation becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring the installer to reach deep into confined spaces to perform threading or complex assembly operations, the design allows the compression ring to be placed on the pipe externally, and then the valve body is simply screwed onto the pre-positioned ring. This reverses the traditional sequence and makes installation feasible in tight spaces.
4Reliability
If smooth surfaced copper pipes are used, then piping is standard, but achieving an effective seal requires specialist tools and techniques
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing mechanism utilizes a soft sealing element made of elastomeric material that can deform and conform to the pipe surface. By changing the material parameter from rigid to flexible, the seal adapts to minor surface irregularities on the copper pipe, achieving reliable sealing without requiring precision machining or specialist tools.
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 quick and secure connection of the valve assembly to corrugated hoses without rotating the hose or valve, facilitating installation in confined areas and ensuring a reliable seal, reducing the need for additional adapters and tools.
Implementation Method 1
the connector is configured such that the sealing gasket radially contracts so as to grip the corrugated hose when the nut is tightened over the connector end
Implementation Method 2
The connector may be configured such that the sloped outer surface of the sealing gasket engages with another sloped surface of the connector such that the sealing gasket radially contracts when the nut is tightened over the connector end
Implementation Method 3
the sealing gasket is configured to urge the end of the corrugated hose axially towards a lip of the connector end
Implementation Method 4
The protrusions of the sealing gasket being configured to grasp a ridge of the corrugated hose when the nut is tightened over the connector end
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
This invention concerns a valve assembly comprising: a valve main body (20); a valve housed in the valve main body; and a connector (24) comprising a nut (10), a sealing gasket (11), and a connector end (19); wherein the connector end is integrally formed as part of the valve main body, wherein the connector is configured to connect the valve main body to a corrugated hose (21) that has an end disposed within the connector end, and wherein the connector is configured such that the sealing gasket (11) radially contracts so as to grip the corrugated hose when the nut (10) is tightened over the connector end.