Fluid Fitting Alignment Stops for Over-Torque-Free Assembly Check
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid fittings, such as flareless fittings, face challenges in quickly determining if a sufficient connection has been made due to tolerance stack-ups and require extended processes using torque wrenches.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating corresponding stops and markings on the nut and union, which engage and align to provide tactile and visual indications of a secure connection, preventing over-torque and allowing for verification without a torque wrench.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If torque wrench is used to verify connection, then connection reliability is improved, but process time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical torque wrench verification system with a visual marking alignment system. The markings on the nut and union provide direct visual feedback when properly aligned, eliminating the need for torque wrench measurement while maintaining connection reliability through intuitive visual confirmation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting components themselves provide the verification function through integrated markings that automatically align to indicate proper connection. The system serves its own verification function without requiring external torque wrench equipment, making the process self-verifying and faster.
2Manufacturing precision
If torque wrench process is used, then connection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex mechanical torque wrench system is replaced with simple visual markings that provide precision feedback. The markings are directly integrated into the fitting components, eliminating the need for separate verification equipment and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining connection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The markings serve as an intermediary visual indicator between the mechanical connection and the operator. Instead of requiring direct torque measurement, the markings mediate the verification process by providing intuitive visual feedback about connection status, simplifying the overall process.
3Ease of operation
If visual markings are added to fitting components, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual markings (potentially involving color or pattern changes) on the fitting components to indicate connection status. These markings make operation easier by providing immediate visual feedback, while the manufacturing complexity is managed through standard marking techniques applied during production.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid fitting includes a nut, a sleeve, and a union. The union and the nut may include corresponding stops and corresponding markings. Corresponding stops and corresponding marking may engage with each other when the nut is sufficiently connected with the union. A method of connecting a fitting includes connecting a sleeve of the fitting with a nut of the fitting, connecting the nut with a union, rotating at least one of the nut and the union until a stop of the nut engages a stop of the union, restricting over torque via the stop of the nut and the stop of the union, and verifying a sufficient connection if first markings of the nut align with second markings of the union.