Axial Swage Fluid Fitting for Soft Tubing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid fittings with telescoping inner and outer sleeves reduce laminar flow and require compressive radial forces for connection, which may not be suitable for high-temperature applications and can fail under adverse conditions.
Innovation Solution
A fluid fitting design that uses axial swaging with a swage ring, featuring cylindrical sleeves with tapered ends and annular grooves, applying an axial swaging force to secure tubes, providing a compact and cost-effective structure for high-temperature connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional telescoping inner and outer sleeves are used, then the fitting can connect tubes securely, but the laminar flow of fluid is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting is divided into separate cylindrical sleeves that are assembled together, with each sleeve having a specific function. The inner sleeve provides the connection interface while the outer sleeve provides structural support, allowing optimized flow characteristics without compromising connection security
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using telescoping sleeves where the inner sleeve has a smaller diameter, this invention uses cylindrical sleeves with substantially equal diameters throughout, inverting the conventional approach to maintain laminar flow while achieving secure connection through the swage ring mechanism
2Strength
If compressive radial force is applied through radial swaging tool, then the sleeves are attached to the tube, but the structure becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying radial compressive force through complex radial swaging tools, this invention applies axial compressive force through a simple axial swaging tool. The swage ring is driven axially to deform the cylindrical sleeves radially inward, inverting the force application direction to simplify the tooling while achieving the same attachment strength
Solution Approach 2:
A swage ring is introduced as an intermediary component that transfers the axial swaging force from the tool to the cylindrical sleeves. The swage ring deforms under axial load and applies radial compressive force to the sleeves, mediating between the simple axial tool and the complex radial deformation required for attachment
3Reliability
If conventional fluid fitting structure is used, then connection is achieved, but high temperature capability is not sufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the fitting components, using cylindrical sleeves with substantially equal diameters and specific tapered surfaces that optimize both connection reliability and thermal performance. The axial swaging method also creates a different stress distribution that maintains connection integrity at high temperatures
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 axial swaging method ensures a secure, fluid-tight connection that withstands vibration and high temperatures, maintaining laminar flow while preventing axial movement and enhancing tube retention, suitable for harsh industrial environments.
Implementation Method 1
A swage ring has a tapered inner surface adapted to axially swage the swage ring to the first and second sleeves and the tube
Implementation Method 2
The swage ring is adapted to fit an axial swage tool... A tapered outer end surface... A tapered inner surface adapted to axially swage
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid fitting for attachment to a tube includes a cylindrical first sleeve having a tapered outer end surface and an inner surface defining an axial bore for receiving the tube. A cylindrical second sleeve creates an annular space for receiving the tube between the first and second sleeves when the second sleeve is placed within the axial bore. The axial bore has substantially equal diameter throughout. A swage ring has a tapered inner surface that axially swages the swage ring to the first sleeve, second sleeve and tube. A first sleeve shoulder restricts axial movement of the swage ring. A first portion protrudes from the inner surface of the first sleeve to restrict axial movement of the second sleeve.