Separable Flexible Hose End Fitting for Replaceable Coupling Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible hoses used in hydraulic fracturing applications often fail prematurely at the end fittings due to leaks, wash/jetting, and threaded connection failures, requiring the entire flexible hose assembly to be replaced.
Innovation Solution
The flexible hose end fitting assembly is designed with two separable portions: a flexible hose coupling and a connection coupling to a hammer union/safety iron, allowing the failed coupling portion to be easily replaced without replacing the entire flexible hose assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the end coupling is integrated into the flexible hose as a single unit, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the entire flexible hose assembly must be replaced when the coupling fails
Solution Approach 1:
The end fitting is divided into two separate portions: a flexible hose coupling portion that attaches to the flexible hose, and a connection coupling portion that connects to the hammer union/safety iron. This segmentation allows the connection coupling portion to be replaced independently when it fails, preventing waste of the entire flexible hose assembly while maintaining structural simplicity through a straightforward two-part design.
2Ease of manufacture
If the end coupling is integrated into the flexible hose as a single unit, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the maintenance cost increases due to complete assembly replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The end fitting is segmented into a flexible hose coupling portion and a connection coupling portion that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This approach maintains ease of manufacture through standard fabrication processes while significantly reducing maintenance costs by allowing replacement of only the failed connection coupling portion rather than the entire flexible hose assembly.
3Device complexity
If the end coupling is integrated into the flexible hose as a single unit, then the design is simplified, but the service life is reduced due to complete assembly replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The end fitting is designed as two separable portions: a flexible hose coupling portion and a connection coupling portion. This segmentation extends the service life of the flexible hose assembly by allowing the connection coupling portion to be replaced independently when it fails, while the still-functional flexible hose and coupling portion remain in service.
4Device complexity
If the end coupling is integrated into the flexible hose as a single unit, then the assembly is simpler, but the replacement time increases when failure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The end fitting is segmented into a flexible hose coupling portion and a connection coupling portion that can be quickly detached and replaced. This segmentation maintains assembly simplicity through a straightforward two-part construction while dramatically reducing replacement time by allowing only the failed connection coupling portion to be replaced rather than the entire assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible hose end fitting assembly includes a first portion defining a first fluid passageway and having a first end configured for coupling to a fluid conduit, a second portion defining a second fluid passageway and having a first end configured for coupling to a second end of the first portion and a second end configured for securely affixed to a flexible hose. A gasket is disposed in a groove formed in an interface between the first portion and the first end of the second portion of the assembly, and the first portion and the first end of the second portion of the assembly are securely fastened together by a plurality of threaded fasteners to form a continuous fluid passageway between the fluid conduit and the flexible hose.