Axial Swaged Fitting Elastic Strain Preload
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing permanent fittings for connecting metal tubes fail to consistently achieve a secure and stable elastic strain preload condition, especially under vibrations and adverse conditions, in various industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
An axial swaged fitting comprising an annular body, retainer, and collar that surrounds a tube, with compression balls in both body and retainer cavities, where the collar applies a predetermined compression force to deform the balls into the cavities, creating an elastic strain preload condition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional permanent fittings are used to connect metal tubes, then the connection provides basic structural support, but the connection fails to achieve secure and stable elastic strain preload condition under vibrations and adverse conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state and mechanical properties of the compression balls by deforming them into the cavities under controlled compression force. This parameter change creates an elastic strain preload condition where the balls are partially deformed but retain elastic recovery capability, providing stable connection under vibration and adverse conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The collar applies a predetermined compression force in advance to deform the compression balls into the cavities before the fitting is subjected to service loads. This preliminary action establishes the elastic strain preload condition that prepares the connection to resist vibrations and adverse conditions from the outset
2Reliability
If compression force is applied to deform compression balls into cavities, then elastic strain preload condition is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex with multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a nested structure where the compression balls are positioned within cavities in both the body and retainer, and the collar encompasses the entire assembly. This nesting approach consolidates multiple functional elements into a compact integrated structure, managing complexity through hierarchical organization
Solution Approach 2:
The compression balls serve multiple functions: they act as connectors between body and retainer, provide elastic strain preload when deformed, and create vibration-resistant connection. The collar simultaneously applies compression force and maintains the predetermined load. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, managing structural complexity
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 provides a secure, vibration-resistant, and permanent connection capable of withstanding adverse conditions, ensuring a reliable seal and interconnection of tubes in applications like aerospace, automotive, and construction industries.
Implementation Method 1
The compression ball is deformed into both the body and the retainer... The collar selectively exerts a predetermined compression force laterally inward toward the tube to deform the at least one compression ball into at least one of the body compression ball cavity and the retainer compression ball cavity into the elastic strain preload condition
Data Source
AI summary
An axial swaged fitting for permanently joining to a tube to achieve an elastic strain preload condition comprises an annular body including at least one body compression ball cavity. The body laterally surrounds at least a portion of the tube. An annular retainer includes at least one retainer compression ball cavity. The retainer laterally surrounds at least a portion of the body. A compression ball is located concurrently in both of the body compression ball cavity and the retainer compression ball cavity. The compression ball is deformed into both the body and the retainer. An annular collar laterally surrounds at least a portion of the retainer. The collar selectively exerts a predetermined compression force laterally inward toward the tube to urge the at least one compression ball into a deformation contact with at least one of the body compression ball cavity and the retainer compression ball cavity into the elastic strain preload condition.