Flexible Fixing Ring for Crimp Display Visualization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing crimp display devices for tube crimp fittings are difficult to assemble and visualize, especially in confined and dark spaces, due to the rigidity of the connector body and crimping sleeve, and the complexity of assembly with crimping display rings.

Innovation Solution

A crimp display device featuring a fixing ring made of a flexible material like plastic, with snap-fastening mechanisms and breakable bridges, allowing easy assembly and reliable visualization of crimping by noting the destruction of the display ring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a crimping display ring is provided around each crimping sleeve to visualize crimping status, then the visualization function is improved, but the assembly complexity increases due to the rigidity of the connector body and crimping sleeve

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrimping status visualizationVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display device is segmented into three independent components: a fixing ring that attaches to the connector body, a crimping sleeve, and a display ring that visually indicates crimping status. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies assembly by allowing the fixing ring to be installed first on the rigid connector body without requiring complex alignment with the crimping sleeve

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing ring acts as an intermediary component between the rigid connector body and the display ring. It provides a flexible mounting interface that simplifies the assembly process by decoupling the rigid connector body from the display visualization requirements, allowing the display ring to be attached to the fixing ring rather than directly to the rigid connector body

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the crimping display ring is made rigid to maintain structural integrity, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of assembly deteriorates due to difficulty in fitting onto the rigid connector body and crimping sleeve

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidease of assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing ring exhibits local quality differentiation: it has a rigid outer structure that maintains structural integrity and dimensional stability, while incorporating a flexible inner portion that can elastically deform during assembly to engage with the crimping sleeve. This local quality variation allows the same component to provide both structural stability and assembly ease

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing ring's flexibility parameter is optimized to allow elastic deformation during the assembly process, enabling easy installation onto the rigid connector body and crimping sleeve. Once assembled, the ring maintains sufficient rigidity to support the display function and provide structural stability under normal operating conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3159590B1Device for viewing crimping for a coupling to be crimped
Publication Date: 2018.09.12 COMAP SA
  • EP3159590B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3159590B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3159590B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

This crimping viewing device (19) for a crimp fitting includes a fixing ring (20) having a fixing portion (21) intended to be fixed on a fitting body (3), and an assembly portion (25) on which a crimping sleeve (13) is intended to be assembled; and a breakable viewing ring (30) intended to extend around the crimping sleeve (13), the viewing ring (30) having a mounting portion (31) configured to be mounted on the fixing ring (20).