Crimp Fitting with Reversed Barbs for Hose Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current crimp fittings for hoses are prone to leakage, especially under varying fluid pressures, due to inadequate sealing and retention mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A crimp fitting design featuring axially extending reverse angled first barbs and forward angled second barbs, forming an annular groove to receive a hose member, which is deformed by a crimping apparatus to create a substantially fluid-tight connection, with the barbs engaging the hose to prevent disengagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional crimping techniques are used to retain the hose in the annular chamber, then the hose retention is adequate, but the connection is susceptible to leakage under increasing fluid pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional barb orientation by using reverse-angled barbs that point toward the socket rather than away from it. This inversion allows the barbs to engage the hose internally when crimped, creating a positive mechanical interlock that prevents leakage under pressure while maintaining a relatively simple retention mechanism structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different barb configurations at different locations on the nipple: reverse-angled barbs near the socket for sealing engagement, and forward-angled barbs at the distal end for retention. This local differentiation optimizes each region's function - the reverse barbs create the seal where pressure acts, while forward barbs provide additional mechanical retention.
2Reliability
If multiple retention techniques are combined (adhesive, serrations, crimping), then the hose retention is improved, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for adhesive bonding by using purely mechanical retention through the reverse-angled barbs and crimping mechanism. This removes the complexity of adhesive application, curing, and potential adhesive-related leakage issues, while maintaining strong hose retention through the inverted barb geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the barbs - specifically their angle and orientation - from traditional forward-angled designs to reverse-angled configurations. This parameter change fundamentally alters how the barbs interact with the hose during crimping, enabling effective retention and sealing without requiring additional retention techniques.
3Ease of manufacture
If the socket is crimped to compress the hose onto the nipple, then the connection is formed, but leakage occurs under variable fluid pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the barb angle so that during crimping, the reverse-angled barbs are forced into the hose wall rather than sliding along it. This creates a mechanical interlock where the barbs act as anchors within the hose, preventing leakage under pressure while maintaining ease of manufacture through a simple crimping operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The reverse-angled barbs are pre-configured on the nipple before crimping, positioned to engage the hose wall during the crimping process. This preliminary configuration ensures that as the crimping force is applied, the barbs automatically engage the hose material to create the pressure-resistant seal, rather than requiring post-crimping adjustments.
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 design provides a reliable, economical, and easy-to-manufacture crimp fitting that forms a tight seal capable of withstanding variable fluid pressures, reducing leakage and ensuring secure hose connection.
Implementation Method 1
the socket may be crimped to compress the hose onto the nipple
Implementation Method 2
axially aligned with a portion of the socket configured to be deformed by a crimping apparatus
Implementation Method 3
at least one the first barbs has an edge configured to engage an inner surface of a hose member to increase a sealing engagement
Implementation Method 4
at least one of the second barbs has an edge configured to engage the inner surface of the hose member to militate against a disengagement of the nipple from the hose member
Data Source
AI summary
A crimp fitting for a hose member including a nipple and a socket coupled thereto. The nipple has an outer surface provided with a plurality of axially extending reverse angled first barbs and a plurality of axially extending forward angled second barbs alternatingly formed thereon. The first barbs are configured to engage an inner surface of a hose member to increase a sealing engagement between the nipple and the hose member, and the second barbs are configured to engage the inner surface of the hose member to militate against a disengagement of the nipple from the hose member.