Banjo Coupling Retention Using Deflectable Gasket Strap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interference fit designs in banjo couplings often fail to securely retain fasteners due to sliding contact and friction between retaining clips and threads, leading to suboptimal engagement during assembly and potential thread damage.
Innovation Solution
A deflectable gasket assembly with upper and lower washers and a connecting strap, where the strap's deflection allows the fastener to pass through without interference, and the return force engages the washers with the fastener to capture it securely, using metal washers coated with flexible material for sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a retaining clip or interference fit design is used to secure the fastener and banjo coupling together, then the components are retained during shipping and handling, but sliding contact and friction occur between the retaining device and fastener threads during assembly, leading to suboptimal engagement and potential thread damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible gasket with deflectable arms instead of a rigid retaining clip. The gasket's flexibility allows it to be compressed during assembly, enabling the fastener to pass through without friction, and then it expands to securely retain the fastener and coupling, eliminating thread damage while maintaining reliable retention
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket's physical state changes from a compressed, deflectable state during assembly to an expanded, retained state after assembly. This parameter change allows the gasket to transition from allowing free passage of the fastener to providing secure retention, resolving the contradiction between retention and friction
2Reliability
If a retaining clip is designed to provide an interference fit with the fastener threads, then the fastener is securely retained, but the sliding contact during insertion creates friction and suboptimal engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket transitions from a dynamic, deflectable state during assembly to a static, retained state after assembly. During assembly, the gasket can be compressed to allow easy fastener insertion without friction, then it expands to provide secure retention, making the assembly process smooth while ensuring reliable retention
3Reliability
If a rigid retaining device is used to capture the fastener and coupling, then the components are securely held during shipping, but the device creates friction and potential thread damage during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible gasket replaces rigid retaining devices, allowing the fastener to pass through during assembly without friction or thread damage. After assembly, the gasket's elasticity enables it to expand and securely capture the fastener and coupling, providing reliable retention during shipping and handling while preserving thread integrity
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 ensures secure retention of the fastener and fluid coupling during assembly and operation, minimizing thread damage and providing a reliable fluid seal, while allowing easy installation and handling.
Implementation Method 1
a deflectable gasket strap... The deflectable strap exerts or imparts a return force when released that is sufficient for engaging the washers with the fastener
Implementation Method 2
the washers are constructed at least partially of metal and coated with flexible sealing material to form a fluid seal, which is configured to seal against an external surface
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid coupling assembly includes a rotatable fluid coupling and fastener, and a gasket having upper and lower washers interconnected by a deflectable strap. When the strap is laterally deflected, the fastener passes through openings in the coupling with minimal interference. The strap exerts a return force for engaging the washers with the fastener upon release. Tangs on the washers engage the fastener, and one washer forms a seal against a surface. A banjo joint assembly includes a rotatable banjo coupling, the gasket, a gasket with tangs, and a bolt retained to the coupling by the tangs. A method for preparing a fluid coupling assembly for attachment to an external surface includes providing a gasket with deflectable portions, positioning a fluid coupling in the space therebetween, deflecting the portions sufficiently to insert a fastener into the coupling, and retaining the coupling on the fastener when the portions are not deflecting.