Swage Visual Indicator for Fluid Coupling Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for verifying the adequacy of swaged connections in fluid conveying members, especially for hazardous applications, rely on destructive testing, which is inefficient and potentially risky, and there is a need for a non-destructive, user-friendly method to confirm the leak-proof nature of these connections without altering the construction of the fluid conveying line or coupling device.
Innovation Solution
A swage visual indicator system using indicator material within apertures in the flange that displaces during the swaging process, allowing for visual confirmation of a successful swaging operation without requiring special equipment, ensuring the connection is leak-proof and meets safety standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If destructive testing is used to verify swaged connections, then reliability of verification is improved, but productivity and safety are worsened due to time consumption and potential risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual indicators that change appearance based on the swaging process outcome. Indicators such as color-coded tags, painted surfaces, or visual markers on the flange provide immediate visual confirmation of proper swaging, eliminating the need for destructive testing while maintaining verification reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The swaging process itself creates the verification indicator. The deformation pattern, material flow, or structural change during swaging automatically generates a visible signal that confirms proper connection, making the connection self-verifying without requiring separate destructive testing procedures.
2Measurement precision
If destructive testing is used to verify swaged connections, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and safety are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The verification indicator is prepared in advance during manufacturing or assembly. Visual markers, color codes, or positioning features are pre-configured on the flange or coupling components, so that verification can be performed immediately after swaging without requiring time-consuming destructive testing procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
Visual indicators provide immediate qualitative and quantitative information about swaging quality through color changes, patterns, or positional variations. This allows for precise verification of connection adequacy instantaneously, eliminating the time required for destructive testing while maintaining measurement precision.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional swaging verification methods are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but device complexity increases due to additional verification systems
Solution Approach 1:
The swaging process automatically generates verification information through inherent structural changes, material flow patterns, or deformation characteristics that are visible without additional equipment. This self-verifying approach maintains manufacturing simplicity while avoiding the complexity of separate verification systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Simple visual indicators such as color-coded paint, colored tags, or naturally colored materials provide verification information without requiring complex electronic or mechanical systems. These indicators can be applied during standard manufacturing processes, maintaining ease of manufacture while providing reliable verification.
4Ease of operation
If visual indicators are added to the flange, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Visual indicators use color-coded paint, colored materials, or optical markers that provide clear visual feedback during inspection. These indicators can be applied to existing flange surfaces without requiring fundamental structural changes, maintaining simplicity while dramatically improving ease of operation for visual verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual indicator acts as an intermediary between the swaging process and the inspector. Simple markers, color codes, or visual cues translate complex structural changes into easily interpretable visual signals, improving ease of operation without adding significant complexity to the flange structure itself.
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
Enables non-destructive, visual confirmation of a successful swaging process, ensuring the integrity of fluid connections, reducing the risk of leaks in hazardous environments, and maintaining the structural integrity of the fluid conveying members and coupling devices.
Implementation Method 1
a non-destructive visual indication of a swaging process by one or more swage apertures formed through a flange filled with an indicator material
Implementation Method 2
material from the fluid conveying member is compressed into grooves of the flange
Implementation Method 3
thereby providing a fluid tight seal between the flange and the fluid conveying member
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
A swage visual indicator for a fluid coupling is disclosed and related methods. The swage visual indicator is achieved by a non-destructive visual indication of a swaging process by one or more swage apertures (34) formed through a flange (12) filled with an indicator material (40). The swage apertures (34) communicate with swaging grooves (32) of the fluid conveying components being joined. As the swaging process is conducted, the swaging grooves (32) are filled with material from one of the fluid conveying components, and the indicator material (40) within the aperture(s) (34) is therefore displaced in a direction toward the exposed exterior surface of the flange (12). According to a successful swaging process, the indicator material (40) is displaced to a degree such that the indicator material (40) is visible by the unaided eye of an inspector.