Slit Retaining Ring Hose End Fitting for Easier Crimp Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hose end fittings require complex manufacturing processes due to the need for precise positioning and machining of parts, including a shoulder for the retaining ring and crimping of the socket, which increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A hose end fitting design utilizing a retaining ring with a slit that can expand and snap into place, allowing for easier assembly without requiring precise alignment of the retaining ring and socket, and enabling the socket to be crimped without maintaining the retaining ring's alignment, with the socket being manufactured through a deep drawing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a retaining ring with a shoulder and precise positioning features is used, then the mounting reliability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining ring is made from an elastomeric material, transforming it from a rigid precision component to a flexible element that can deform during assembly. This flexibility allows the ring to expand and contract, enabling snap-fit assembly without precise alignment, thereby maintaining mounting reliability while eliminating complex manufacturing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining ring's physical state is changed from rigid to elastomeric, fundamentally altering its mechanical properties. This parameter change enables the ring to dynamically adjust its dimensions during assembly, allowing it to expand beyond its normal circumference to accommodate the body and hose end fitting, then contract to lock in place, simplifying the assembly process while ensuring reliable mounting.
2Reliability
If precise alignment features are provided for the retaining ring and socket, then the assembly reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric retaining ring performs its own alignment function through its ability to deform and expand. Instead of requiring external alignment features or precision machining, the ring's material properties enable it to self-align with the body and socket during assembly, eliminating the need for costly precision manufacturing while ensuring reliable assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining ring transitions from a static, rigid component to a dynamic, deformable element. During assembly, the ring dynamically expands to accommodate the body and hose end fitting, then contracts to lock them in place. This dynamic behavior replaces the need for static precision alignment features, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining assembly reliability.
3Strength
If the retaining ring is made rigid for strength, then the structural strength is improved, but the ease of assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining ring is constructed from an elastomeric material that provides both flexibility for easy assembly and sufficient structural strength for the application. The material's elastic properties allow the ring to deform during assembly while maintaining the strength needed to secure the hose end fitting and resist operational forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution uses elastomeric materials that combine the properties of flexibility and strength in a single material system. This composite approach eliminates the need for complex multi-component designs while providing both the ease of assembly associated with flexible materials and the structural strength required for reliable mounting.
4Manufacturing precision
If machining operations are performed on the body after cold forging, then the positioning precision is improved, but the productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric retaining ring provides its own positioning and alignment functions through its material properties, eliminating the need for post-forging machining operations on the body. The ring's ability to deform and expand allows it to self-align with the cold-forged body, maintaining sufficient positioning precision while significantly improving manufacturing productivity by removing secondary machining operations.
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
This design simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces costs, and ensures a reliable mounting of the retaining ring and socket on the body, allowing for easier hose connection and reducing the complexity of manufacturing the body.
Implementation Method 1
a retaining ring (6) having a slit (9) extending in axial direction of the retaining ring (6). The two ends (10, 11) of the retaining ring (6) bordering the slit (9) are spaced apart to allow for relative movement of the two ends (10, 11) in tangential direction. As a result the retaining ring (6) can expand in radial direction because the two ends bordering the slit can move away from each other in tangential direction.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a hose end fitting (15) comprising - a body (1) with a continuous channel (2) extending through the body from a first end of the body to a second end of the body, wherein a circumferential groove (4) is arranged around the first end (3) of the body, wherein the first end of the body is arranged to receive an end of a hose and wherein coupling means, such as a thread or a union nut (5), are arranged on the second end of the body; - a retaining ring (6) having a radially inwardly extending circumferential rib (7) and a circumferential groove (8) arranged in the outer circumferential surface of the ring; and - a socket (10) to be crimped on to the retaining ring (6), which socket has on one end an inwardly extending flange (12) for engagement with the circumferential groove (8) on the retaining ring; wherein the retaining ring (6) has a slit (9) extending in axial direction. The invention also relates to a method for providing a hose end fitting according to the invention.