Ferrule Packaging Device Uniform Orientation Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ferrules in packaging are randomly oriented, making it difficult to select and remove them uniformly, which complicates installation onto tubes, especially in small-scale applications, and may require handling with gloves and tweezers to avoid contamination.

Innovation Solution

A ferrule package with a base and cap system where ferrules are contained in uniform orientation receptacles, allowing the cap to be moved to expose selected ferrules for removal without direct contact using an insert.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If ferrules are contained in individual receptacles but randomly oriented, then the package can accommodate multiple ferrules, but a given ferrule cannot be removed in the same manner as other ferrules and requires different manipulation steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of ferrulesVSAvoidremoval consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The package is divided into multiple individual receptacles, each capable of holding one ferrule. This segmentation allows multiple ferrules to be stored independently while maintaining uniform orientation through the receptacle structure, enabling consistent removal procedures for each ferrule.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ferrules are pre-oriented in a uniform direction within their receptacles during packaging. This preliminary action ensures that when a ferrule needs to be removed, it is already in the correct orientation, eliminating the need for different manipulation steps and making removal consistent across all ferrules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If ferrules are not constrained to a fixed orientation in the package, then storage is simple, but it is challenging to insert a tube into the ferrule's inner bore prior to removing the ferrule, particularly in very small-scale applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackaging simplicityVSAvoidtube insertion difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The ferrules are pre-positioned in uniform orientation within the receptacles during manufacturing. This preliminary action simplifies the subsequent tube insertion operation by ensuring the ferrule bore is already aligned correctly, making the process straightforward even for very small-scale ferrules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The receptacle acts as an intermediary structure that maintains ferrule orientation. By providing a constrained environment within the receptacle, the system mediates between simple storage and the need for precise orientation during tube insertion, making the operation easier without complicating the packaging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a ferrule is intended for use in an application requiring fluid lines to be inert and not contaminate the flow path, then contamination is avoided, but the user may need to wear gloves and use tweezers to install the ferrule, increasing handling complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecontaminationVSAvoidhandling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ferrule is extracted from the protective receptacle environment and transferred to the tube in a controlled manner. The receptacle design allows the ferrule to be removed with minimal handling, reducing the need for complex handling tools while maintaining contamination prevention through the controlled extraction process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The uniform orientation and receptacle design enable the ferrule to be removed and installed with simple, intuitive actions. The system is designed to facilitate easy removal without requiring complex handling tools like tweezers, allowing users to handle the ferrule directly while maintaining contamination protection through proper technique.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2911951B1Ferrule packages, packaging devices, and related methods
Publication Date: 2016.11.23 AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES INC
  • EP2911951B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2911951B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2911951B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A ferrule package includes a plurality of ferrules and a packaging device configured for containing the ferrules in a uniform orientation. A selected ferrule may be removed by moving an aperture into alignment with a receptacle containing the ferrule inserting an insert such as a tube into a bore of the ferrule, and removing the selected ferrule from the receptacle while the ferrule is on the insert. The ferrule may be removed without making contact with the ferrule.