Swivel Coupling Assembly Anti-Kinking Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional swivel couplings and hose assemblies in harsh industrial and commercial environments, such as tractor-trailer applications, face issues with kinking, twisting, bending, and premature failure due to inadequate protection and assembly integrity, particularly during installation and operation in harsh conditions.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a swivel coupling assembly with an annular member and a second annular member that allows for rotational movement, featuring annular grooves with seals, a retaining ring, and a frusto-conically shaped bore to provide enhanced protection against kinking and ensure long-term sealing and assembly integrity, along with a flexible tapered grip assembly for improved flexibility and anti-kinking characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional swivel couplings are used in harsh environments, then basic connection function is provided, but they suffer from kinking, twisting, bending, and premature failure due to inadequate protection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite construction combining metal components (swivel coupling, annular members) with elastomeric materials (seals, protective coatings). This composite approach provides both structural integrity and flexibility, allowing the assembly to resist kinking and twisting while maintaining connection reliability in harsh environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates protective features such as elastomeric seals and cushioning elements positioned in advance to prevent damage from harsh environmental conditions, vibrations, and mechanical stresses. These protective elements are built into the assembly before deployment, preventing kinking and twisting rather than addressing them after occurrence.
2Reliability
If conventional hose assemblies are used, then basic fluid transport is achieved, but they experience premature failure due to inadequate sealing and assembly integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality enhancement by placing elastomeric seals and protective coatings specifically at critical locations where sealing and durability are most needed, such as at the interface between annular members and at connection points. This targeted approach extends service life without requiring complete redesign of the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The design features nested construction with inner elastomeric seals positioned within metal housing, and multiple protective layers arranged concentrically. This nested arrangement protects sealing surfaces from environmental damage while maintaining effective sealing, thereby extending the durability of the hose assembly.
3Ease of operation
If traditional fitting assemblies are used, then connection functionality is provided, but they are difficult to install and maintain in harsh conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The swivel coupling incorporates rotational freedom allowing dynamic adjustment during installation and operation. This dynamic capability enables easier connection and disconnection operations while maintaining secure, reliable connections that can accommodate movement and misalignment in harsh environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric seals and protective coatings act as intermediaries between metal components, providing both ease of assembly through cushioning and maintaining connection reliability. These intermediary elements facilitate installation by reducing friction and protecting surfaces while ensuring dependable connections.
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 effectively protects against kinking and twisting, ensures ease of connection and disconnection, and provides longer-life air seals and a stronger friction hold, enhancing the reliability and durability of hose assemblies in harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
the seal engages with and seals the bore at a location between the first and second openings of second annular member
Data Source
AI summary
A swivel coupling assembly includes a first annular member having at least one annular barb, a shoulder and at least one annular groove containing a seal. There is a first bearing surface and a second bearing surface either side of the annular groove. The first and second bearing surfaces have a width equal to or greater than a width of the annular groove. There is a second annular member having an inner surface defining a bore configured to receive the first annular member. When joined, the shoulder of the first annular member frictionally engages the bore of the second annular, thereby allowing rotation. The seal engages with and seals the bore at a location between the ends of the second member. and spaced by a distance of at least the width of the first and second bearing surfaces from the shoulder and the second opening, respectively.