Strain Sensor in Coupling Neck for Assembly Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanically attached connections in fluid systems lack a reliable mechanism to detect strain and determine assembly conditions, such as pull-up status and conduit bottoming, which is crucial for ensuring proper fluid containment and system integrity under varying environmental stresses.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a mechanism within the fitting to measure axial strain on the neck portion, utilizing sensors and finite element analysis to differentiate between bottomed and un-bottomed conditions, and integrating sensing functions for real-time monitoring and data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If strain detection mechanism is added to the fitting, then measurement precision of assembly conditions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The strain detection mechanism is nested within the fitting structure itself. The sensor is positioned to detect strain in the neck portion of the fitting, with the sensor body aligned with the neck portion's longitudinal axis. This nesting approach allows the detection function to be integrated into the existing fitting without adding external complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides fluid containment, mechanical connection, and strain detection capabilities. The neck portion of the fitting body serves both as a structural element and as the location for strain measurement, allowing a single component to fulfill multiple roles in the system.
2Reliability
If real-time monitoring capability is integrated into the fitting, then reliability of fluid containment is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is positioned and configured during the fitting manufacturing process to detect strain in the neck portion. The electronic device is pre-integrated with the fitting structure, and the sensor alignment is established during manufacturing. This preliminary configuration ensures proper functionality while simplifying the overall manufacturing process by avoiding post-assembly calibration steps.
3Loss of information
If strain detection mechanism is incorporated in the fitting, then information availability on assembly conditions is improved, but loss of time in installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting assembly process is designed to automatically provide strain detection data without requiring separate installation steps for the sensor. The sensor is positioned to detect strain during the normal pull-up process, and the electronic device processes this information automatically. The system provides real-time feedback on assembly conditions as part of the standard installation procedure, eliminating the need for additional time-consuming measurement steps.
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
Enables accurate determination of fitting assembly conditions, enhancing the reliability of fluid containment and system performance by providing real-time strain data and monitoring capabilities, thus improving the integrity and efficiency of fluid systems.
Implementation Method 1
measuring axial strain in a neck portion of the fitting body
Data Source
AI summary
A fitting for a fluid conduit includes a coupling body, a coupling nut, a conduit gripping device that is axially driven by the coupling body and the coupling nut to provide grip and seal against a conduit, and a strain sensor unit disposed on a neck portion of the coupling body, the strain sensor unit including at least a first axially extending strain sensor positioned and oriented for strain sensor unit measurement of a first strain of the neck portion corresponding with a first fitting assembly condition, and a second strain of the neck portion corresponding with a second fitting assembly condition different from the first fitting assembly condition.