Hydraulic Fluid Joint Assembly with Primary and Backup Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The connection and disconnection of hydraulic couplings in hydraulic systems are labor-intensive and require specialized training and tools, with existing solutions being either overly complex or not adequately addressing torque specifications, leading to potential leakage and seal damage.
Innovation Solution
A fluid connector system featuring a connector body with a non-metallic seal and a swivel nut that can transition between primary and backup sealing states, utilizing a snap retainer to maintain the primary seal and enable metal-to-metal contact for a backup seal, allowing for easy connection and disconnection with adjustable torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hydraulic couplings are used with torque specifications and markings, then sealing reliability is improved, but connection and disconnection become labor-intensive and require specialized training
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into two distinct sealing mechanisms: a primary elastomeric seal for normal operation and a secondary metal-to-metal seal face for backup sealing. This segmentation allows each seal type to perform its specialized function, with the primary seal providing reliable sealing under normal conditions and the backup seal providing failure protection, thereby maintaining high reliability while simplifying the connection process through a more robust, foolproof design
Solution Approach 2:
The backup metal-to-metal seal face is positioned in advance to provide a predetermined safety net against seal failure. This prior cushioning mechanism ensures that if the primary elastomeric seal fails, the backup seal is already in place to prevent leakage, thereby enhancing reliability without requiring additional operational steps or specialized knowledge from the operator
2Ease of operation
If simplified robust connections are provided to mitigate installation errors, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the simplicity of quick-connect mechanisms with the reliability of torque-controlled sealing by integrating a snap-fit connection system that automatically engages the backup seal faces. This combination allows operators to achieve both simplified installation (through the snap-fit mechanism that prevents improper assembly) and robust sealing (through the integrated dual-seal system), thereby improving ease of operation without proportionally increasing device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid connector in a fluid joint assembly such as in a machine hydraulic system includes a connector body having a stem with a seal face extending circumferentially around a connector axis at a backup sealing location. A non-metallic seal is upon the stem and extends circumferentially around the connector axis at a primary sealing location. The fluid connector also includes a swivel nut including threads and a snap retainer and supported for rotation upon the stem. The fluid connector can establish a primary sealing state by way of hand installation, and can be torqued to a backup sealing state to provide a robust metal-to-metal seal.