Asymmetrical Dimple Ferrule for Vibration-Resistant Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical couplings in fluid applications face issues with loosening due to stress, vibration, and cyclical forces, leading to leaks and pressure drops, particularly in pneumatic and hydraulic connectors, where existing solutions like adhesive materials and lock wires are inadequate.
Innovation Solution
A coupling assembly featuring a nut assembly with a resilient lock ring and asymmetrical dimples, where the lock ring's lobes engage dimples with different ramp angles to provide varying forces for engaging and disengaging, ensuring secure torque and preventing rotation, combined with a thrust wire for additional retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional threaded connections with seals are used, then fluid flow is enabled, but the connection loosens under stress and vibration causing leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The ferrule features asymmetrical dimples with different ramp angles (first ramp angle and second ramp angle) that create unequal engagement forces. The lock ring lobes engage these dimples such that the first ramp angle provides less resistance in the engaging direction while the second ramp angle provides greater resistance in the disengaging direction, preventing loosening from vibration and stress
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient lock ring converts the harmful vibrational forces and stress into beneficial locking action. As vibration and stress apply forces to the connection, the asymmetrical dimples and resilient lock ring mechanism transform these forces into increased engagement pressure, causing the lobes to press more firmly against the dimples and preventing loosening
2Reliability
If lock wires or adhesive materials are used to prevent loosening, then connection stability improves, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention integrates the locking function directly into the ferrule and lock ring components. The asymmetrical dimples are formed as integral features of the ferrule, and the resilient lock ring is retained within the nut portion opening, combining the sealing and anti-loosening functions into a unified mechanism that eliminates the need for separate lock wires or adhesive materials
Solution Approach 2:
The asymmetrical dimples and resilient lock ring create a self-locking mechanism that automatically prevents loosening under vibration and stress without requiring additional fastening components. The geometry of the dimples and the resilience of the lock ring provide inherent anti-loosening capability that is built into the basic coupling structure
3Stability of the object's composition
If resilient lock ring with asymmetrical dimples is used, then anti-rotation capability improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetrical dimples concentrate the anti-rotation functionality in specific localized areas of the ferrule. Rather than requiring the entire coupling to be precisely manufactured, only the dimple geometry needs to achieve the specified asymmetry, allowing other portions of the coupling to be manufactured with standard tolerances
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 effectively maintains a secure sealing torque, preventing leaks and pressure drops by utilizing the asymmetrical design to resist rotation and vibration, while allowing for easy assembly verification through visual cues.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient lock ring is retained within the opening of the nut portion, the resilient lock ring defining a plurality of lobes
Implementation Method 2
one sidewall defines a first ramp angle, and the other sidewall defines a second ramp angle that is steeper than the first ramp angle. The plurality of lobes of the resilient lock ring engage the plurality of asymmetrical dimples such that the sidewall with the first ramp angle provides less force in an engaging direction and the sidewall with the second ramp angle provides more force in a disengaging direction
Data Source
AI summary
A ferrule for connecting two adjacent components is provided, wherein the ferrule defines an exterior wall portion having a plurality of asymmetrical dimples. Each asymmetrical dimple has at least two sidewalls, and one sidewall defines a first ramp angle, and the other sidewall defines a second ramp angle that is steeper than the first ramp angle. At least one feature of one of the adjacent components engages the plurality of asymmetrical dimples such that the sidewall with the first ramp angle provides less force in an engaging direction and the sidewall with the second ramp angle provides more force in a disengaging direction.