Collapsible Ferrule for Hose Coupler Radial Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ferrule designs are limited in accommodating a wide range of hose diameters and wall thicknesses without compromising the locking connection or resulting in an unsightly connection, requiring a large inventory of ferrules for various sizes.
Innovation Solution
A hose coupler with a ferrule that features a flange with compressible grooves or openings, allowing for increased crimping range by collapsing radially upon mounting, thereby accommodating a broader range of hose sizes and thicknesses while maintaining a secure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ferrule is sized to accommodate a specific hose diameter and wall thickness, then the locking connection between the ferrule and hose is secure, but a large inventory of ferrules is required for hoses having various diameters and wall thicknesses
Solution Approach 1:
The ferrule is designed with a collapsible flange that can accommodate multiple hose sizes and wall thicknesses through radial compression during crimping. This universal design allows a single ferrule type to replace multiple size-specific ferrules, achieving multi-functionality while maintaining secure locking connections across various hose specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange of the ferrule is designed to change its radial parameter (diameter) during the crimping process. By allowing the flange to collapse radially under compression, the ferrule adapts to different hose outer diameters and wall thicknesses, enabling a single ferrule design to accommodate a range of hose specifications while maintaining reliable mechanical interlocking.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large ferrule is used to accommodate larger hoses, then the crimping range is increased, but the connection becomes unsightly when connected to a significantly smaller hose
Solution Approach 1:
The ferrule flange is designed as a dynamic structure that changes shape during installation. The collapsible flange compresses radially during crimping to accommodate larger hose diameters, then maintains a compact, aesthetically pleasing form factor when connected to smaller hoses. This dynamic adaptation allows the same ferrule to achieve both wide crimping range and good appearance across different hose sizes.
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 significant reduction in inventory costs by replacing multiple specific ferrule sizes with a single nominal size, offering a greater crimping range and ensuring a secure, aesthetically pleasing connection across various hose diameters and thicknesses.
Implementation Method 1
At least one compressible groove is formed on the flange that is configured to be compressed upon mounting (e.g., either swaging or crimping) the flange to the hose adapter
Data Source
AI summary
A ferrule for mounting a hose to a hose adapter, the ferrule including a substantially cylindrical hollow structure extending between a proximal end and a distal end, a flange at the proximal end of the ferrule that is configured to be connected to the hose adapter, and either one or more openings or compressible grooves formed on the flange that are configured to be compressed upon either swaging or crimping the flange to the hose adapter.