Fluid Conduit Coupling Lock for Anti-Rotation and Leak Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid couplings face issues with rotational fixation and leakage due to vibrations and thermal expansion, leading to potential decoupling of fluid conduits, especially at threaded interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A fluid conduit assembly with a lock mechanism that includes a flange, clip, and fastener for rotational fixation, utilizing a multi-point interface and strategically arranged apertures and detents to prevent relative movement between conduit couplers, ensuring secure coupling even under stress conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a threaded interface is used to couple fluid conduits, then the coupling can be assembled and disassembled, but rotational fixation is insufficient leading to decoupling under vibration and thermal expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into distinct functional segments: the threaded interface for assembly/disassembly, the flange with circumferential apertures for rotational fixation, and the latch mechanism for securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the others.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange apertures and latch mechanism are pre-positioned on the coupling components before assembly. The apertures are strategically located to engage with corresponding features on the mating coupling, ensuring that rotational fixation is established automatically during the assembly process without requiring additional steps.
2Reliability
If a simple threaded connection is used, then the device is easy to manufacture, but it cannot prevent leakage and decoupling under stress conditions
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into a unified coupling structure: the threaded interface provides mechanical connection, the flange provides rotational fixation, and the latch provides secure locking. This merging ensures that leakage prevention and decoupling resistance are achieved through the integrated action of these combined features rather than requiring separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the coupling have specialized qualities tailored to their specific functions: the threaded interface region is designed for precise engagement, the flange region has apertures positioned for optimal rotational fixation, and the latch region provides localized securing force. This local quality optimization ensures reliable leakage prevention without requiring complex manufacturing throughout the entire component.
3Reliability
If rotational fixation is added to prevent decoupling, then coupling reliability improves, but the number of components and assembly steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to engage automatically with the flange apertures during the normal assembly process. The coupling components are configured so that when brought together, the latch self-aligns and secures into the apertures without requiring separate manual intervention or additional assembly steps, thereby maintaining ease of operation while providing reliable anti-rotation capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid conduit assembly is provided that includes a first conduit coupler, a second conduit coupler and a lock. The second conduit coupler is mated with the first conduit coupler at a threaded interface. The lock is configured to rotationally fix the first conduit coupler with the second conduit coupler. The lock includes a flange, a clip and a fastener. The flange is arranged with the first conduit coupler. The flange is configured with a plurality of flange apertures arranged circumferentially about an axis of the first conduit coupler. The clip is arranged with the second conduit coupler. The clip is configured with a clip aperture. The fastener is mated with the clip aperture and any one of the plurality of flange apertures.