Compression Fitting Torque Indicator for Visual B-Nut Status
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Solution Overview
Problem
B-nuts used in aircraft compression fittings lack a visual indication of torque status, making it difficult to determine if they are torqued or untorqued, leading to potential leaks during pressurized fluid tests.
Innovation Solution
A tubing nut fastener design featuring two partially rotatable elements with engagement members and permanent visual indicators that change spatially based on the torque state, allowing for a simple visual determination of whether the fastener is torqued or untorqued.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a B-nut is used in a compression fitting, then the tubing can be connected to a threaded fitting, but there is no visual indication of whether the B-nut is torqued or untorqued
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies visual indicators (such as colored marks, dyes, or contrasting colors) on the B-nut and/or connector that change position or alignment based on the torque state. When the B-nut is properly torqued, the visual indicators align in a specific pattern that is visible through the walls of the B-nut, providing immediate visual confirmation of the torque status without requiring disassembly or special tools.
2Ease of operation
If the B-nut is free to rotate during torquing, then the threading process can proceed, but visual determination of torque status becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces visual indicators as an intermediary element between the mechanical torquing process and the operator's ability to detect torque status. These indicators are positioned such that their relative alignment or position changes in response to the rotation and tightening of the B-nut, allowing the operator to visually detect whether the B-nut is torqued or untorqued without interfering with the free rotation during the torquing process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tubing is installed, loosened, and adjusted during manufacturing, then fit requirements can be achieved, but it becomes difficult to determine if the B-nut has been torqued
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies visual indicators that show the torque status at any given moment during the installation process. Whether the B-nut has been torqued, loosened, or adjusted, the visual indicators provide immediate feedback on the current state, allowing operators to know whether retorquing is needed after adjustments are made, thus preventing loss of torque status information during the adaptable installation process.
4Device complexity
If no visual indication is provided, then the B-nut design remains simple, but leaks may occur during pressurized fluid tests
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual indicators (colored marks, dyes, or contrasting patterns) applied to the B-nut and/or connector that provide clear visual confirmation of proper torquing. These indicators are positioned to be visible through the B-nut walls, allowing immediate identification of properly torqued connections during assembly and testing, thereby preventing leaks without significantly increasing the complexity of the B-nut design.
Data Source
AI summary
A tubing nut fastener having elements that are partially rotatable with respect to each other. In between the rotatable elements, engagement members (e.g., balls) are captured within interior channels. The partially rotatable elements include permanent markings or other non-removable visual indicators, which varies spatially depending on whether the tubing nut fastener is in a torqued state or an un-torqued state, thereby providing a visual indication of the status of the tubing nut fastener.