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 systems, especially those handling volatile fluids, rely on destructive testing, which is inefficient and risky, and there is a need for a non-destructive, easily confirmable method that does not alter the construction of the fluid conveying line or coupling device.
Innovation Solution
A swage visual indicator system using indicator material in apertures within the flange that displaces during the swaging process, allowing for visual confirmation of a successful connection 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 is worsened due to inefficiency and risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces destructive mechanical testing with a visual indicator system that uses material displacement observable through apertures. The indicator material provides direct visual confirmation of adequate swaging without requiring destructive inspection, thereby improving both reliability and productivity simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary indicator material that mediates between the swaging process and verification. This material displaces in response to adequate swaging and provides visible confirmation through apertures, eliminating the need for destructive testing while ensuring reliable verification.
2Ease of operation
If visual indicator material is added to the flange, then ease of operation is improved for verification, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes color changes or visual properties of indicator material to provide immediate verification feedback. The indicator material is visually distinct and its displacement through apertures provides clear visual confirmation of adequate swaging, greatly simplifying verification operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the verification function by providing multiple apertures distributed around the flange circumference. This allows verification at multiple locations without requiring complex inspection equipment, as each aperture provides independent visual confirmation of swaging adequacy at its location.
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, reliable verification of swaged connections, ensuring the integrity of fluid conveying systems without altering their construction, providing a safer and more efficient quality control process.
Implementation Method 1
as the swaging takes place, the tube material compressed into the groove forces the indicator material out of the groove and toward the exterior surface through the aperture
Data Source
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 formed through a flange filled with an indicator material. The swage apertures communicate with swaging grooves of the fluid conveying components being joined. As the swaging process is conducted, the swaging grooves are filled with material from one of the fluid conveying components, and the indicator material within the aperture(s) is therefore displaced in a direction toward the exposed exterior surface of the flange. According to a successful swaging process, the indicator material is displaced to a degree such that the indicator material is visible by the unaided eye of an inspector.