Adjustable Compression Ferrule Adapter for Mismatched Conduit Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ferrule adapters fail to accommodate smaller outer diameter fluid conduits within larger inner diameter fittings and lack an adjustable stop mechanism to ensure proper insertion and sealing.
Innovation Solution
A ferrule adapter with a body, stop, and connector, where the connector comprises helically shaped arms allowing axial adjustment of the stop, and angled surfaces that compress to form a seal when a mounting nut is threaded, accommodating conduits with outer diameters between 10% and 75% smaller than the fitting's inner diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a ferrule adapter is designed to accommodate a smaller outer diameter fluid conduit within a larger inner diameter fitting, then the adaptability to various conduit sizes is improved, but the sealing reliability deteriorates due to the diameter mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
The ferrule adapter employs angled surfaces with specific geometries (first angled surface extending radially outward, second angled surface extending radially inward) that create localized compression zones. These locally optimized surfaces ensure reliable sealing at the interface between the ferrule and the fluid conduit, even when accommodating conduits with outer diameters significantly smaller than the fitting's inner diameter (10% to 75% smaller).
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates helically shaped arms that enable dynamic adjustment of the stop's axial position relative to the body. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the ferrule adapter to adapt to different conduit lengths and insertion depths while maintaining secure engagement and sealing, thereby preserving reliability across various conduit sizes.
2Device complexity
If a fixed stop position is used in the ferrule adapter, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to adjust conduit insertion depth is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with helically shaped arms that provide dynamic adjustability for the stop's axial position. This allows the stop height to be adjusted along the longitudinal axis of the body, enabling adaptation to different conduit insertion depths without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The axial distance between the proximal end of the body and the stop can be adjusted by modifying the connector configuration. This parameter change capability allows the stop position to be optimized for different conduit sizes and insertion requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the connector allows significant axial adjustment of the stop, then the adjustability is improved, but the structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The helically shaped arms in the connector provide controlled dynamic adjustment capability. The helical geometry inherently provides mechanical guidance and constraint, allowing axial movement within a specific range while maintaining structural integrity and stability during both adjustment and fixed states.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector arms are made of flexible material that allows controlled deformation during adjustment. This flexibility enables the stop to change location axially while the material's elastic properties maintain structural stability and return the connector to its proper configuration after adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid coupler including a ferrule adapter having a body with a receiving bore for receiving a fluid conduit, a stop axially spaced away from the body and configured to engage an end of the fluid conduit, and a connector configured to adjust the axial distance between the body and the stop.