End Connector Offset Cross-Hole Axial Force Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of centrally aligned cross-holes and fluid ports in end connectors for fluid flow control devices increases axial forces, necessitating stronger connectors and more mounting bolts, which complicates manufacturing and increases costs, especially in high-pressure applications.
Innovation Solution
The end connector features a cross-hole offset from the central axis, allowing for a smaller sealing diameter and reducing axial forces, with a reconfigurable design that can be used as both an inlet and outlet by rotating 180 degrees, maintaining simplicity in manufacturing and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If cross-hole and fluid port are centrally aligned in end connector, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but axial forces increase requiring stronger connectors and more mounting bolts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by offsetting the cross-hole from the central axis of the end connector body. This asymmetric positioning reduces the sealing diameter and consequently decreases axial forces on the connector, while still maintaining alignment with the fluid port to ensure proper fluid flow. The asymmetric design resolves the contradiction by allowing simpler manufacturing without requiring the symmetric central alignment that causes excessive axial forces.
2Force
If cross-hole is offset from central axis, then axial forces are reduced and sealing diameter is minimized, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the cross-hole positioning specific and localized rather than requiring overall symmetric precision. The offset position is deliberately chosen to minimize axial forces while maintaining functional alignment with the fluid port. This localized approach to hole positioning achieves the force reduction benefit without imposing excessive global manufacturing precision requirements on the entire connector assembly.
3Ease of operation
If identical end connectors are used for inlet and outlet, then assembly is simplified, but larger sealing diameter is required to handle axial forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single end connector configuration with an offset cross-hole that can be used for both inlet and outlet connections. This universal design simplifies assembly by using identical connectors throughout the system, while the offset configuration ensures that the sealing diameter is minimized and axial forces are reduced for both inlet and outlet applications.
Data Source
AI summary
An end connector for connecting a fluid pipeline to a fluid flow control device. The end connector includes a body adapted to engage an external surface of the fluid flow control device, and a plurality of bolt holes formed through the body and adapted to receive a plurality of bolts, respectively, to couple the body to the fluid flow control device. The end connector also includes a cross-hole formed through at least a portion of the body and adapted to carry fluid between the fluid pipeline and the fluid flow control device. The bolt holes are circumferentially arranged around a central axis of the body, and the cross-hole is centered about an axis offset from the central axis of the body.