Locking Fluid Coupling Fitting for Vibration-Resistant Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional compression fittings in fluid connections are prone to unintended loosening due to vibration, requiring labor-intensive lock wires for security, which is inefficient in applications with multiple fittings.
Innovation Solution
A locking fitting assembly with a base and nipple fitting that includes engagement structures and resilient locking members to resist rotation, allowing for secure installation in a tapped hole and adjustable torque threshold to prevent loosening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lock wires are used to secure fittings, then reliability of fitting security is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the locking function from a separate component (lock wire) and integrates it into the fitting assembly itself through the locking member that engages with the base, eliminating the need for separate locking operations
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member automatically engages with the base through resilient deformation, creating a self-locking mechanism that secures the fitting without requiring additional locking steps or external tools
2Ease of operation
If conventional compression fittings are used, then ease of installation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to unintended loosening from vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is pre-configured with resilient properties that automatically engage with the base upon installation, creating preliminary resistance against vibration-induced loosening before vibration occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member utilizes resilient deformation to dynamically adapt to installation conditions while maintaining continuous engagement with the base, providing adaptive resistance to loosening forces
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 locking fitting assembly effectively resists unintended loosening due to vibration, reducing installation time and labor by providing a secure, adjustable, and efficient solution for fluid connections.
Implementation Method 1
The first or second locking structure may further include resilient members that are deformed during the relative rotation between the nipple fitting and the base
Data Source
AI summary
A locking fitting assembly that can be removably installed in a tapped hole on a housing and resists unintended loosening of the fitting assembly. The fitting assembly maybe installed at a mounting location for receiving the fitting assembly, and includes abase with engagement structure configured to engage corresponding structure adjacent the mounting location to secure the base against rotation. The fitting assembly further includes a nipple fitting received on the base and having first and second oppositely disposed coupling features. The first coupling feature is configured to mate with a complementary coupling feature of the housing, such as the tapped hole, whereby the nipple fitting can be sealingly secured to the housing. Locking structure disposed between the base and the nipple fitting is configured to resist relative rotation between the base and the nipple fitting.