Fluid Coupler Positive Engagement for Blind Fitting Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid couplers face challenges in verifying full engagement of fittings in coupling bodies, particularly in blind installations, leading to fluid pressure loss and system failure, and are often bulky and costly due to multi-piece assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A fluid coupler with a coupling body and fitting adapter featuring a positive engagement mechanism, utilizing a retaining ring and conical frustum ramp to ensure full insertion in under 1.5 revolutions, and a simple design with a single coupling body and fitting to minimize failures and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If threading is used to engage the fitting into the coupling body, then the fitting can be securely connected, but multiple revolutions are required to fully seat the fitting which is difficult in cramped or blind environments
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement mechanism is segmented into distinct functional zones: a ramp section that guides initial engagement and forces the fitting onto the retaining ring, followed by a threaded section for secure connection. This segmentation allows the fitting to be quickly positioned and engaged in under 1.5 revolutions, with the ramp section performing the bulk of the engagement work before threading begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp section performs preliminary action by forcing the fitting onto the retaining ring before the threaded engagement begins. This preliminary positioning ensures the fitting is correctly seated and aligned, eliminating the need for multiple revolutions to achieve full engagement and making the process suitable for blind installations.
2Ease of manufacture
If a multi-piece assembly is used for the coupler, then the coupling body and fitting can be manufactured separately, but manufacturing and end-use cost increase and more failures occur due to multiple connection points
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling body and fitting are designed as simplified assemblies with fewer discrete components. The retaining ring is integrated into the coupling body, and the fitting engages directly with this integrated structure, reducing the number of connection points and potential failure locations while maintaining manufacturing flexibility through modular design elements.
3Ease of manufacture
If a multi-piece assembly is used for the coupler, then the components can be manufactured independently, but the overall size and weight increase which is problematic for size and weight sensitive applications
Solution Approach 1:
The design merges the retaining ring and coupling body into a more integrated structure, eliminating the need for separate retaining ring components in traditional multi-piece assemblies. This integration reduces the total part count, decreases overall weight, and minimizes the number of connection points while maintaining the ability to manufacture components independently through modular design features.
4Manufacturing precision
If torque rating specification is used to ensure full seating, then the fitting can be tightened to a specified torque, but a cross-threaded fitting can reach the specified torque without fully seating which results in fluid pressure loss
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp section provides tactile and visual feedback during engagement, allowing the technician to feel and see when the fitting is fully seated onto the retaining ring. This feedback mechanism ensures correct engagement before threading begins, preventing cross-threading and ensuring full seating, thereby maintaining fluid pressure integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp section performs preliminary engagement action that forces the fitting onto the retaining ring before threaded connection begins. This preliminary positioning ensures the fitting is correctly aligned and fully seated, preventing cross-threading issues and ensuring proper engagement before torque is applied.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables easy verification of full fitting engagement, reduces installation complexity in constrained environments, and supports high-pressure applications with minimal weight and size, while minimizing failures and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a ramp shaped as a conical frustum having a first ramp diameter less than the internal diameter of the retaining ring and a second ramp diameter greater than the internal diameter of the retaining ring
Implementation Method 2
a threaded section; and a fitting having a shank having a diameter less than the internal diameter of the retaining ring
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid coupler for reducing fluid pressure failures by simplifying the coupling of two or more fluid carrying receptacles, lines, lines to and from a manifold, lines to and from a pressure tank, or the like. The fluid coupler has a coupling body and a fitting that features a positive engagement feature that activates when the fitting is fully inserted into the coupling body. This feature ensures a technician can easily verify the fitting is fully inserted into the coupling body, therefore reducing failures due to improper or incomplete engagement of the fitting.