Crimped Flow Restrictor Assembly for Secure Conduit Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid flow control systems fail to provide a method and apparatus for controlling fluid flow through the assembly.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for controlling fluid flow through the assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fluid flow control assembly uses multiple components assembled together, then the assembly can provide fluid flow control functionality, but the assembly complexity increases and requires additional retention means
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple components (body, fluid flow restricting member, and retention features) into a single integrated assembly. The retention features are formed as integral parts of the body structure, eliminating the need for separate retention components and simplifying the overall assembly while maintaining fluid flow control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The body structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the housing for the fluid flow restricting member, creates the fluid communication pathway, and incorporates retention features (flared portion and crimp) to secure the restricting member. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
2Reliability
If a crimp is formed in the wall portion to retain the fluid flow restricting member, then the restricting member is securely retained, but the manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The crimp is formed in the wall portion before the fluid flow restricting member is inserted into the inner cavity. This preliminary formation of the retention feature simplifies the subsequent assembly process, as the restricting member simply needs to be inserted into a pre-prepared retention structure rather than requiring complex post-assembly retention mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The crimp structure is designed to automatically retain the fluid flow restricting member through its geometric configuration (extending into the inner cavity), eliminating the need for additional fasteners, clips, or complex retention mechanisms. The structure serves its own retention function.
3Reliability
If an outwardly flared portion is extended from the body, then the assembly can be retained in a conduit, but the body complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outwardly flared portion creates a dynamic retention mechanism where the expansion of the body wall at the open end provides frictional engagement with the conduit. This geometric dynamic (the flare angle and expansion) enables reliable retention without requiring additional mechanical fastening components.
Solution Approach 2:
The flared portion utilizes the flexibility of the body wall material to create an expansion that engages with the conduit interior. The thin wall portion can elastically deform to provide frictional retention, similar to how flexible shells engage with surrounding structures.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for limiting fluid flow in a conduit, including: a body defining an inner cavity, the body having a wall portion that extends from an end portion of the body, the wall portion and the end portion defining the inner cavity, the wall portion having an outwardly flared portion that extends away from the inner cavity at an open end of the body, the open end being opposite to the end portion of the body, the wall portion having a crimp proximate to the outwardly flared portion, the crimp extends towards the inner cavity; and a fluid flow restricting member retained within the inner cavity of the body, wherein the fluid flow restricting member reduces or prevents fluid flow through the inner cavity and the crimp prevents the fluid flow restricting member from being removed from the inner cavity.