Mechanically Locked End Adapter Assembly Against Thread Loosening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Fluid device end adapters with threaded connections often loosen inadvertently in high-pressure, high-temperature, or corrosive/toxic fluid systems due to vibrations or tampering, posing a challenge in maintaining secure connections.

Innovation Solution

A mechanically locked connection is achieved by deforming a portion of the end adapter or body into a recessed area after full threaded assembly, using crimping or peening to prevent rotation and secure the adapter in place, utilizing a deformable peripheral wall or flange and corresponding recesses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If threaded connections are used for end adapters, then ease of assembly and disassembly is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to inadvertent loosening from vibrations or tampering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidconnection security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by deforming the peripheral flange into the recesses during the assembly process itself, creating a mechanical lock before the connection is put into service. This pre-locking mechanism prevents subsequent loosening from vibrations or tampering while maintaining the threaded assembly approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of threaded connections loosening under vibration into a benefit by designing a system where the threading process itself positions the flange to be deformed into locking engagement with the recesses. The vibration that would normally cause loosening is instead prevented by the mechanical interlock created through controlled deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If mechanical locking by deforming flange is implemented, then reliability is improved by preventing loosening, but device complexity increases due to additional structural features

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the connection function and the locking function into a single integrated structure. The peripheral flange that is part of the normal assembly structure serves dual purposes: providing the threading interface and simultaneously being deformable into the recesses to create the mechanical lock. This eliminates the need for separate locking components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The peripheral flange structure serves multiple functions: it provides the external threading interface for assembly, acts as a deformable element for creating the mechanical lock, and maintains the structural integrity of the end adapter. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity compared to using separate dedicated locking components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If peripheral flange is deformed into recesses, then ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty of disassembly, but reliability is improved by preventing unintended loosening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidease of disassembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the connection interface into distinct functional zones: the threaded portion for controlled assembly/disassembly and the deformed flange-recess interface for preventing unintended loosening. This segmentation allows the threading mechanism to remain operational for intentional assembly and disassembly while the deformed portion provides passive security against vibrational loosening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

The solution effectively prevents unintended loosening of end adapters, ensuring secure and reliable connections in challenging fluid system conditions by locking the adapter in a desired rotational position.

Implementation Method 1

a portion of the peripheral flange is deformed into interlocking engagement with the at least one recess

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Implementation Method 2

using crimping or peening to prevent rotation and secure the adapter in place

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCrimping:

Implementation Method 3

using crimping or peening to prevent rotation and secure the adapter in place

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeening: Shot Peening

Data Source

PatentUS11512798B2Mechanically locking end screw arrangements

Publication Date: 2022.11.29 SWAGELOK CO

AI summary

A fluid control assembly includes a body having a female threaded end port, and an end adapter including a male threaded end screw threadably assembled with the female threaded end port, an end connector, and an internal passage extending from the end connector to the end screw. One of the body and the end adapter includes at least one outer peripheral recess, and the other of the body and the end adapter includes a peripheral flange. A portion of the peripheral flange in circumferential alignment with the at least one recess is deformed into interlocking engagement with the at least one recess to rotationally secure the end adapter with respect to the body.