Methods for forming a tubing assembly
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12055241-B2
Publication Date
2024-08-06
Expiration Date
Abstract
A tubing including an overmold is connected to a fitting by welding the overmold to the fitting. Methods for doing the same are also provided. Also provided are methods for forming an overmold on a tubing or on a tubing and fitting assembly.
Core Innovation
The disclosed tubing assembly uses injection-molded overmolds molded over tubing and over fitting ends to create integral flow paths. The overmolds are formed as a first overmold over a first tubing and over a fitting, and a second overmold over a second tubing and over the fitting, defining an overmold section extending from over the first tubing to over the second tubing. In disclosed embodiments, the overmolds are welded or thermally bonded to fitting ends to create a structure without post-processing.
The approach includes aligning the fitting in a mold using a locating feature. The fitting has a locating feature located axially between flanges, and the mold has a locating feature that aligns with the locating feature of the fitting prior to removing the fitting and tubings from the mold. In certain embodiments, the locating feature is a projection on the fitting received in a complementary depression in the mold to precisely position the overmold relative to the fitting ends.
The disclosed overmold-to-fitting interface is configured to control melt-back and overflow and to manage weld/material volume. The document describes inner-surface diameter matching between the tubing and the fitting or overmold region to support smooth fluid flow within the integral flow path. It also describes interface relief features, including relief areas controlling melt-back and overflow, and alternate geometries for connecting different tubing diameters using tapered overmold/fitting inner surfaces and projection/recess interfaces.
Claims Coverage
The partial content identifies three independent claims and their main inventive features. Each independent claim focuses on forming a tubing assembly by inserting tubing into a fitting having flanges and a locating feature, aligning the fitting in a mold via corresponding locating features, and molding first and second overmolds to create an overmold section between tubes.
Flange-based tubing abutment with axially located locating feature
Selecting a fitting having first and second ends, first and second flanges positioned axially with respect to the ends, and a locating feature; inserting the first end into a first tubing until the first tubing abuts the first flange and inserting the second end into a second tubing until the second tubing abuts the second flange.
Mold alignment via locating-feature penetration during overmolding
Placing the fitting into a mold aligning the locating feature with a locating feature within the mold, wherein after placing at least a portion of the fitting between the flanges and the first and second flanges are within the mold; molding a first overmold over the first tubing and over the fitting and molding a second overmold over the second tubing and over the fitting such that the first and second overmolds define an overmold section extending between the tubes.
Overmold section created across two tubing ends with controlled flange surfaces
Molding first and second overmolds within the mold so the first and second overmolds define an overmold section extending from over the first tubing to over the second tubing; in embodiments, the first and second flanges are end surfaces of first and second gussets and the first and second overmolds are molded to contact the respective gusset end surfaces.
Across the independent claims, the inventive concept is centered on flange-based abutment of tubing ends to a fitting, alignment of the fitting in a mold using a locating feature, including embodiments where a projection is received in a complementary depression, and molding first and second overmolds to form an overmold section spanning between tubing ends while the fitting flanges are positioned within the mold.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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