Segmented Press Fitting Indicator Ring for Reliable Visual Confirmation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing press fittings with compression indicator rings face issues where the indicator rings adhere to the compression sleeve due to material properties, making it difficult to visually confirm if the pressing process has been completed, especially with soft metallic materials like aluminum alloys.
Innovation Solution
A press fitting design featuring a segmented compression indicator ring with connecting webs that are arranged outside the compression area, allowing them to be destroyed by the pressing tool, ensuring the ring segments fall off and provide a clear visual indication of the pressing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a compression indicator ring is pressed against the compression sleeve by the compression tool, then the pressing process is indicated, but the ring may adhere to the compression sleeve and fail to fall off, making the indication unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The compression indicator ring is divided into multiple ring segments that are connected by connecting webs. The ring segments are positioned outside the compression area and remain intact, while the connecting webs extend into the compression area and are destroyed during pressing, causing the segments to separate and fall off, providing reliable visual indication.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting webs are extracted as the sacrificial element that extends into the compression area. These webs are specifically designed to be destroyed during the pressing process, while the main ring segments remain outside the compression area and fall off cleanly to indicate pressing completion.
2Strength
If the compression indicator ring is made of soft material to prevent damage, then the ring can be easily deformed, but it may press into the compression sleeve and stick, preventing reliable indication
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is segmented into separate pieces connected by webs. The ring segments can be made of softer material that prevents damage during handling, while the connecting webs are positioned to be destroyed during pressing, ensuring clean separation and fall-off without sticking to the compression sleeve.
3Reliability
If the compression indicator ring is positioned inside the compression area, then it is compressed with the sleeve, but it cannot provide clear visual indication from a distance
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator ring is segmented with ring segments positioned outside the compression area for clear visual indication from a distance. The connecting webs extend into the compression area to ensure destruction during pressing, combining both requirements of visibility and compression engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator system uses the radial dimension to position ring segments outside the compression area for visibility, while the connecting webs extend axially into the compression area to engage with the pressing tool, utilizing multiple spatial dimensions to satisfy conflicting requirements.
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 ensures reliable and visible indication of the pressing process completion, preventing adherence issues and enhancing the functionality of the press fitting by using segmented rings and predetermined breaking points.
Implementation Method 1
the connecting webs are exposed to the mechanical action of the pressing tool during the pressing process and are therefore destroyed
Data Source
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AI summary
The fitting has a fitting body (12) with a supporting body (16), and a crimp sleeve (30) with a crimping area (66), where a crimping indication ring (52) is provided at the sleeve. The ring has a number of ring segments (68, 70, 72), where the adjacent ring segments are connected one below the other by a destructible connection bar (64) that is separable from the segments. The ring is arranged in the sleeve in such a manner that the segments are provided outside the crimping area, where the bar and a lever unit are extended up to the crimping area. An independent claim is also included for a method of pressing a press-fitting.