Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates generally to a fitting assembly for tubing connection. Such are known from <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> or <CIT>.

Tubing connections are used in a variety of systems, and used for transporting fluids, gases, or other semi-solid materials. To ensure a leak-free tubing connection, a seal created using a flanged tubing (i.e., flared tubing) connection must be compressed with a sufficient force. This force is typically generated by a threaded fitting that is screwed down onto a tubing flange (i.e., tubing flare). To provide a consistent force, the threaded fitting is preferably tightened using a torque wrench as opposed to hand insertion. However, the existing threaded fittings are designed only for hand tight insertion, and thus are not fit for the use of a torque wrench or a torque driver.

Embodiments of the present invention address and overcome one or more of the above shortcomings and drawbacks, by providing a fitting assembly for a tubing connection.

The present invention provide a male fitting assembly for tubing connection, including: a male fitting shaped to be connected to a tube, wherein the male fitting comprises: a head including a plurality of first gripping portions, each first gripping portion extending from a top of the head; and a shaft attached to the head and comprising a plurality of external threads; a first washer configured to contact a tubing flare of the tube and distribute a force evenly around the tubing flare; an O-ring, configured to contact the first washer; and a second washer configured to contact the male fitting and the O-ring so that the male fitting rotates without moving the O-ring. The O-ring is configured to (i) be located between the first washer and the second washer, and (ii) distribute the force to the first washer evenly.

Embodiments further provide a male fitting assembly for tubing connection, wherein each first gripping portion includes one or more indentations.

Embodiments further provide a male fitting assembly for tubing connection, wherein the head further comprises a plurality of second gripping portions, wherein each second gripping portion is shorter than each first gripping portion, and each of the first gripping portions and the second gripping portions has one or more indentations.

Embodiments further provide a male fitting assembly for tubing connection, wherein three first gripping portions and three second gripping portions are included in the head, and each first gripping portion is alternated with each second gripping portion.

Embodiments further provide a male fitting assembly for tubing connection, wherein two sides of each first gripping portion are oblique, and the two sides of each first gripping portion are not perpendicular to a bottom of the head.

Described herein is a female fitting assembly (not according to the invention) for tubing connection, including: a female fitting comprising: a head including a plurality of first gripping portions, each first gripping portion extending from a top of the head; and a cylindrical body having internal threads; a first washer, configured to contact a tubing flare of a tube and distribute a force evenly around the tubing flare.

Also described herein is a female fitting assembly (not according to the invention) for tubing connection, further comprising: an O-ring, configured to contact the first washer; and a second washer configured to contact the female fitting so that the female fitting rotates without moving the O-ring; wherein the O-ring is configured to (i) be located between the first washer and the second washer, and (ii) distribute the force to the first washer evenly.

Also described herein is a female fitting assembly (not according to the invention) for tubing connection, wherein the head further comprises a plurality of second gripping portions, wherein each second gripping portion is shorter than each first gripping portion, and each of the first gripping portions and the second gripping portions has one or more indentations.

Described herein is a female fitting assembly (not according to the invention) for tubing connection, wherein three first gripping portions and three second gripping portions are included in the head, each first gripping portion is alternated with each second gripping portion.

Described herein is a female fitting assembly (not according to the invention) for tubing connection, wherein two sides of each first gripping portion are oblique, and the two sides of each first gripping portion are not perpendicular to a bottom of the head.

Described herein is a torque adaptor (not according to the invention) configured to mate with a head of a fitting for tubing connection, including: a fitting mating portion comprising an opening shaped to accommodate the head of the fitting, wherein the head of the fitting includes a plurality of first gripping portions, each first gripping portion extending from a top of the head, and one or more sides of one or more first gripping portions presses against the fitting mating portion; and a torque applying portion comprising a hole shaped to accommodate an end of a torque tool.

Described herein is a torque adaptor (not according to the invention), wherein the head of the fitting further comprises a plurality of second gripping portions, wherein each second gripping portion is shorter than each first gripping portion, and each of the first gripping portions and the second gripping portions has one or more indentations.

Described herein is a torque adaptor (not according to the invention), wherein three first gripping portions and three second gripping portions are included in the head, and each first gripping portion is alternated with each second gripping portion.

Described herein is a torque adaptor (not according to the invention), wherein two sides of each first gripping portion are oblique, and the two sides of each first gripping portion are not perpendicular to a bottom of the head.

Described herein is a torque adaptor (not according to the invention), wherein the torque applying portion is cylinder shaped, and the hole is square shaped.

The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention are best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings embodiments that are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific instrumentalities disclosed. Included in the drawings are the following Figures:.

The following disclosure describes the present invention according to several embodiments directed to a fitting assembly for tubing connection.

The shape of a head of the fitting disclosed herein allows for both a secure finger grip as well as a secure torque tool (e.g., a torque wrench or a torque driver). To allow for the use of the torque tool, a torque adaptor is introduced to be engaged with the head of the fitting and the torque toolAn end of the torque tool (e.g., a bit) is inserted into a socket of the torque adaptor, so that the torque tool can tighten the fitting assembly through the torque adaptor. A conventional off-the-shelf torque wrench or torque driver can be used to tighten the fitting assembly through the torque adaptor specifically designed for the fitting assembly. The torque adaptor can also prevent the use of some common tools, such as a hex wrench, that could otherwise be used to deliver excessive torque and damage the fitting assembly, because these common tools are not mated with the torque adaptor. The head design of the fitting described herein provides features for an ergonomic feel when the fitting assembly is tightened by hand. The head of the fitting is also sized so that a typical hand-tightening torque will generate a sufficient force to create a seal.

<FIG> illustrates an explosive view diagram of the male fitting assembly <NUM>, in accordance with an embodiment described herein. In this example, the male fitting assembly <NUM> includes a male fitting <NUM>, two washers <NUM>, <NUM>, and an O-ring <NUM>. The first washer <NUM> is used to distribute a force evenly around a tubing flare <NUM> of a tube <NUM>, so that an even pressure is formed to create the seal between the male fitting assembly <NUM> and the tube <NUM>. The tubing flare <NUM> is a part of the tube <NUM> and located at an end of the tube <NUM>. The tubing flare <NUM> that may be used to create, for example, a seal between the tube <NUM> and another tube (not shown in <FIG>), between the tube <NUM> and a manifold port (not shown in <FIG>), or between the tube <NUM> and a port (not shown in <FIG>). For example, when connecting the tube <NUM> to a manifold port through the male fitting assembly <NUM>, the tubing flare <NUM> gets squeezed against the bottom of the manifold port, and thus a seal is created between the tube <NUM> and the manifold port.

The O-ring <NUM> can be used to distribute force to the first washer <NUM> evenly. Further, the O-ring <NUM> can add compliance to the male fitting assembly <NUM>, and thus allow the fitting to seal under a wider range of torques. The O-ring <NUM> can make the male fitting assembly <NUM> tolerant to different torque values and tightening on it. The second washer <NUM> helps the male fitting <NUM> to rotate without dragging the O-ring <NUM>. The male fitting <NUM> is designed to rotate smoothly against the second washer <NUM> and the second washer <NUM> presses against the O-ring <NUM>. The second washer <NUM> protects the O-ring <NUM> from the rotation of the male fitting <NUM>. The male fitting <NUM> is similar to a bolt, including a head <NUM> and a shaft <NUM> having external threads <NUM>.

The head <NUM> can be of various shapes. For example, <FIG> further illustrate a male fitting having the head <NUM> of a different shape. In an embodiment, referring to back to <FIG>, the head <NUM> is almost cylindrical, and can be divided into a plurality of gripping portions <NUM>, <NUM>. The number of gripping portions <NUM>, <NUM> can vary; in the example of <FIG>, the head <NUM> has six gripping portions <NUM>, <NUM>. Three gripping portions <NUM> extend upwards from the top of the head <NUM>, and thus are longer than the other three gripping portions <NUM>. The six gripping portions <NUM>, <NUM> are spaced evenly, and a shorter gripping portion <NUM> is alternated with a longer gripping portion116. In an embodiment, the extension portion <NUM> (i.e., the portion extending upwards from the top of the head <NUM>) of each longer gripping portion <NUM> can be engaged with a torque adaptor specifically designed for the head <NUM> of the male fitting <NUM>, so that the male fitting assembly <NUM> can be tightened by a torque tool through the torque adaptor.

There is a plurality of indentations <NUM> provided on each gripping portion <NUM>, <NUM>, thus forming bumps or ridges on each gripping portion <NUM>, <NUM>. As with the number of gripping portions, the number of indentations can vary. In the example of <FIG>, there are three indentations on each gripping portion, and thus three bumps or ridges are formed on each gripping portion accordingly. In an embodiment, two sides of each gripping portion116, <NUM> can be straight (i.e., each gripping portion116, <NUM> is perpendicular to the bottom of the head <NUM>). Accordingly, two sides of each extension portion <NUM> are straight. In another embodiment, two sides of each gripping portion116, <NUM> can be oblique (i.e., each gripping portion116, <NUM> is not perpendicular to the bottom of the head <NUM>). Accordingly, two sides of each extension portion <NUM> are oblique. Where each gripping portion <NUM>, <NUM> has oblique sides, the head <NUM> is more ergonomic for a human hand if the male fitting assembly <NUM> is tightened manually by the human hand.

As shown in <FIG>, in an embodiment, there are two indentations <NUM> on each gripping portion, and two sides <NUM>, <NUM> of each extension portion <NUM> can be oblique. As shown in <FIG>, in another embodiment, there are two indentations <NUM> on each gripping portion, and two sides <NUM>, <NUM> of each extension portion <NUM> can be straight. As shown in <FIG>, in an embodiment, there are three indentations <NUM> on each gripping portion, and two sides <NUM>, <NUM> of each extension portion <NUM> can be oblique. As shown in <FIG>, in another embodiment, there are three indentations <NUM> on each gripping portion, and two sides <NUM>, <NUM> of each extension portion <NUM> can be straight.

In an embodiment, the male fitting assembly <NUM> further includes a tubing keeper <NUM> surrounding the tube <NUM>, used to prevent the other components including the male fitting <NUM>, two washers <NUM>, <NUM>, and the O-ring <NUM>, from sliding backward. The tubing keeper <NUM> is close to the head <NUM> of the male fitting <NUM>, but there is a gap between the tubing keeper <NUM> and the head <NUM> of the male fitting <NUM>. The male fitting <NUM> can be made of a polymer material, for example, nylon, polycarbonate, PVDF (Polyvinylidene fluoride or polyvinylidene difluoride), PEEK (Polyether ether ketone), plastic, metal, etc. In an embodiment, a lubricant can be added to or embedded in the polymer material of the male fitting <NUM>, so that it can be easily screwed in. The tube <NUM> having a tubing flare <NUM> can be an Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) tube or a FEP (Fluorinated ethylene propylene) tube. EFTE and FEP are both inert, Fluoropolymer-based polymers. In an embodiment, the two washers <NUM>, <NUM> are made of a stiff material (e.g., stainless steel). The O-ring <NUM> is made of an elastomer material that is chemically resistant(e.g., fluoroelastomer (FKM), ethylene propylene dieneterpolymer (EPDM), or perfluoroelastomer (FFKM)).

<FIG> illustrates an explosive view diagram of the female fitting assembly <NUM>, not in accordance with an embodiment described herein. If the female fitting assembly <NUM> is to be connected to the male fitting assembly <NUM>, then the female fitting assembly <NUM> includes a female fitting <NUM> and a washer <NUM>, without an O-ring. The male fitting assembly <NUM> already includes the O-ring <NUM>, and only one O-ring is needed when connecting the female fitting assembly <NUM> and the male fitting assembly <NUM>. The washer <NUM> is used to distribute a force evenly around a tubing flare <NUM> of a tube <NUM>, so that an even pressure is formed to create the seal. If the female fitting assembly <NUM> is to be connected to a male connector, a manifold port, or a port, then similarly to the male fitting assembly <NUM>, the female fitting assembly <NUM> as shown in <FIG> includes a female fitting <NUM>, two washers <NUM>, <NUM>, and an O-ring <NUM>. The female fitting <NUM> includes a head <NUM> and a cylindrical hollow body <NUM>. The head <NUM> of the female fitting <NUM> is the same as the male fitting <NUM>. An inner wall of the cylindrical hollow body <NUM> has internal threads <NUM> engaged with external threads <NUM> of the male fitting <NUM>. The female fitting <NUM> can be made of the same material as that of the male fitting <NUM>, or can be made of a different material.

<FIG> illustrates a diagram of the tubing assembly <NUM>, in accordance with an embodiment described herein. In an embodiment, the tubing assembly <NUM> includes a tube <NUM> and two male fitting assemblies <NUM>. Each end of the tube <NUM> is connected to a male fitting assembly <NUM>. In another embodiment, each male fitting assembly <NUM> further includes a tubing keeper <NUM>. Each tubing keeper is close to a head <NUM> of each male fitting <NUM>,.

<FIG> illustrates a diagram of the tubing assembly <NUM>, in accordance with an embodiment described herein. In an embodiment, the tubing assembly <NUM> includes a tube <NUM>, two male fitting assemblies <NUM>, two springs <NUM>, <NUM>, and a spiral wrap <NUM>. Each spring surrounds a part of the tube <NUM> and is located between a head <NUM> of the male fitting <NUM> and a tubing keeper <NUM>. Each spring <NUM>, <NUM> is used to prevent kinking of the tube <NUM> due to bending or other handling operations. The spiral wrap <NUM> is used to protect the tube <NUM> having a smaller diameter (and thus more fragile), and is located between two tubing keepers <NUM>. The spiral wrap <NUM> can also be used to bundle multiple tubing assemblies <NUM> together. As shown in <FIG>, a female fitting assembly <NUM> can be connected to a male fitting assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a diagram showing a male fitting assembly <NUM> connected to a female fitting assembly <NUM>. The tubing flare <NUM> connected to the female fitting assembly <NUM> faces and presses against the tubing flare <NUM> connected to the male fitting assembly <NUM>. The external threads <NUM> (see <FIG>) on a shaft <NUM> of the male fitting <NUM> are engaged with internal threads <NUM> (see <FIG>) on the inner wall of the female fitting body <NUM>. The first washer <NUM> of the male fitting assembly <NUM> contacts the tubing flare <NUM> connected to the male fitting assembly <NUM>, while the second washer <NUM> of the male fitting assembly <NUM> contacts the shaft <NUM>. The O-ring <NUM> is located between the first washer <NUM> and the second washer <NUM>. The male fitting <NUM> rotates smoothly against the second washer <NUM>, and the second washer <NUM> presses against the O-ring <NUM>. The first washer <NUM> of the male fitting assembly <NUM> and the third washer <NUM> of the female fitting assembly <NUM> distribute the force evenly around the two tubing flares <NUM>, <NUM>, so that an even pressure is formed to create a seal between the two tubing flares <NUM>, <NUM>. In this way, the tube <NUM> connected to the female fitting assembly <NUM> and the tube <NUM> connected to the male fitting assembly <NUM> are securely connected.

<FIG> illustrates a diagram showing a male fitting assembly <NUM> connected to a manifold port <NUM>, in accordance with an embodiment described herein. The difference between this embodiment and the embodiment shown in <FIG> is that the tubing flare <NUM> of the male fitting assembly <NUM> presses against an inlet of a manifold port <NUM>. In an embodiment, the male fitting assembly <NUM> can be connected to any mating port as long as the male fitting <NUM> can be inserted into the mating port, and the external threads <NUM> (see <FIG>) on the male fitting <NUM> can be engaged with the internal threads on an inner wall of the mating port.

<FIG> illustrates a diagram of a torque adaptor <NUM>. The torque adaptor <NUM> includes a fitting mating portion <NUM> and a torque applying portion <NUM>. The fitting mating portion <NUM> of the torque adaptor <NUM> can be of various shapes. As shown in <FIG>, the fitting mating portion <NUM> has a different shape. In the example of <FIG>, the fitting mating portion <NUM> is of a hollow cylinder shape, and there is an opening <NUM> at the top of the fitting mating portion <NUM>, and thus the fitting mating portion <NUM> is in a shape of a recess configured to engage one or more of the longer gripping portions <NUM> of the head <NUM>. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the fitting mating portion <NUM> is engaged with a head <NUM> of the male fitting <NUM> or a head <NUM> of the female fitting <NUM>. Two sides <NUM> and <NUM> of the extension portion <NUM> of at least one longer gripping portion <NUM> of the head <NUM> press against the inner walls of a recess of the fitting mating portion <NUM>. The head <NUM> of the male fitting <NUM> or the head <NUM> of the female fitting <NUM> is securely engaged with the fitting mating portion <NUM>, and thus there is no slippage between the head <NUM> and the fitting mating portion <NUM>. The tube <NUM> extends from the head <NUM>, and is located in the slot <NUM> when the longer gripping portion <NUM> of the head <NUM> is engaged with the fitting mating portion <NUM>. The slot <NUM> is used to accommodate and clear the tube <NUM> when the male fitting <NUM> or the female fitting <NUM> is being tightened through the torque adaptor <NUM>. The torque applying portion <NUM> is of a cylinder shape, and there is a hole or socket <NUM>, e.g., a square-shaped hole or socket <NUM> in the torque applying portion <NUM>. An end of the torque tool, e.g., a bit, is inserted into the hole or the socket of the torque applying portion, while the head <NUM> of the male fitting <NUM> or the head <NUM> of the female fitting <NUM> is engaged with the fitting mating portion <NUM>.

When a user applies a force on a handle of the torque tool, the force can be conveyed, for example, from the hand, through the bit, the torque applying portion <NUM>, the fitting mating portion <NUM>, to the head <NUM> of the male fitting <NUM> or female fitting <NUM>. Thus, the torque tool can tighten the fitting assembly (the male fitting assembly <NUM> or the female fitting assembly <NUM>) by means of the torque adaptor <NUM>. A conventional off-the-shelf torque tool (e.g., a torque wrench or a torque driver) can be used to tighten the fitting assembly through the torque adaptor <NUM> specifically designed for the fitting assembly. A user can apply a force on the torque applying portion <NUM> by hand, without a torque tool; while the head <NUM> of the male fitting <NUM> or the female fitting <NUM> is engaged with the fitting mating portion <NUM>. This manual mode can be used where the head <NUM> of the male fitting <NUM> or female fitting <NUM> is difficult to reach.

The male fitting assembly <NUM> can be used in different scenarios, in which tubing connection is needed. For example, as shown in <FIG>, a male fitting assembly <NUM> can be connected to a metal joint <NUM>. An inner wall of the metal joint <NUM> has internal threads <NUM> mating with external threads <NUM> of the male fitting <NUM>. For another example, as shown in <FIG>, a female fitting assembly <NUM> can be connected to a nozzle <NUM>. An end of a female fitting body <NUM> is engaged with an externally threaded port of the nozzle <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a Force (Preload) vs. Torque comparison graph between an exemplary fitting (male fitting <NUM> or female fitting <NUM>) and a fitting of a conventional fitting (e.g., a standard commercially available ¼"-<NUM> threaded fitting). As shown in <FIG>, the exemplary fitting can generate a larger force or preload than that of the standard fitting, in case of the same torque. In other words, the exemplary fitting can generate a higher sealing pressure than that of the standard fitting. Thus, the exemplary fitting is more efficient at converting torque to a preload than the standard fitting,.

<FIG> illustrates an Average Force (Preload) vs. an Average estimated Torque comparison graph between an exemplary fitting (male fitting <NUM> or female fitting <NUM>) and a fitting of a conventional fitting (e.g., a standard fitting). The exemplary fitting is tightened by a plurality of users, and <FIG> depicts an average force and an average estimated torque comparison. As shown in <FIG>, the exemplary fitting can generate a larger force or preload and a higher initial torque than those of the standard fitting, It can be inferred that the exemplary fitting has a better grip.

Claim 1:
A male fitting assembly (<NUM>) for tubing connection, comprising:
a male fitting (<NUM>) shaped to be connected to a tube, wherein the male fitting (<NUM>) comprises:
a head (<NUM>) including a plurality of first gripping portions (<NUM>), each first gripping portion (<NUM>) extending from a top of the head (<NUM>); and
a shaft (<NUM>) attached to the head (<NUM>) and comprising a plurality of external threads (<NUM>);
a first washer (<NUM>) configured to contact a tubing flare (<NUM>) of the tube (<NUM>) and distribute a force evenly around the tubing flare (<NUM>);
an O-ring, configured to contact the first washer (<NUM>);
characterized in that the male fitting assembly (<NUM>) further comprises
a second washer (<NUM>) configured to contact the male fitting (<NUM>) and the O-ring (<NUM>) so that the male fitting (<NUM>) rotates without moving the O-ring (<NUM>),
wherein the O-ring (<NUM>) is configured to (i) be located between the first washer (<NUM>) and the second washer (<NUM>), and (ii) distribute the force to the first washer (<NUM>) evenly.