Liquid-Tight Coupling Device with Pre-Assembled Ferrule
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices for conduits require complex multi-step installation processes and initial disassembly, which complicates the achievement of a liquid-tight seal and increases the risk of lost parts.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device design featuring a tubular connector body, compression nut, sealing rings, and a ferrule with a radial flange and ledge system that allows for pre-assembly and quick installation without disassembly, ensuring a liquid-tight seal by restricting relative rotation during installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the coupling device is packaged fully assembled to avoid loose parts, then the risk of lost parts is reduced, but the device requires initial disassembly before installation which complicates the installation process
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is pre-assembled in the package with all components (compression nut, compression ring, ferrule, connector body, sealing elements, and locknut) already in their correct positions. The protrusions and depressions are pre-configured to guide proper assembly during installation, eliminating the need for disassembly and reassembly while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If the coupling device uses multiple components (locknut, sealing ring, connector body, ferrule, compression ring, compression nut), then the liquid-tight seal is achieved, but the installation process requires at least six steps which increases time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple components are merged into a pre-assembled unit where the compression nut, compression ring, ferrule, connector body, sealing elements, and locknut are all integrated together in their final positions. The protrusions and depressions system merges the alignment function into the assembly itself, allowing the entire liquid-tight coupling system to be installed in a single operation rather than six separate steps.
Solution Approach 2:
All components are pre-assembled in the correct configuration before packaging. The protrusions on the connector body and corresponding depressions on the ferrule are pre-positioned to guide the components into their correct relative positions during installation, enabling quick one-step installation while maintaining the liquid-tight seal integrity.
3Ease of operation
If the ferrule is allowed to rotate freely during installation, then the threading process is easier, but the connector body and ferrule cannot be securely locked together
Solution Approach 1:
The connector body has protrusions and the ferrule has corresponding depressions that create an asymmetric, non-circular interface. This asymmetric shape allows the components to be inserted and locked together in a single orientation, preventing rotation and ensuring secure locking while maintaining ease of installation through the guiding protrusion-depression mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling device that provides a liquid tight seal at the connection with a conduit with easy installation. The device comprises a tubular connector body, a compression nut, a first sealing ring, a second sealing ring, a ferrule, and a lock nut. The coupling device may be installed fully assembled and does not require disassembly of the packaged product before installation. In the connector body a radial ledge is formed within the tubular spaces between the first and second ends. The radial ledge of the connector body has at least one depression. The ferrule has a tubular body with a radial flange extending from a first end portion. At least one protrusion extends from the radial flange that corresponds to the depression on the tubular body. When the depression of the tubular body engages the protrusion of the ferrule, it restricts the ferrule from relative rotation. This restriction allows that the coupling device be installed fully assembled.