Swivel Fitting Adaptor With Elastomeric Insert
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swivel fittings for low to medium pressure fluid transfer and venting applications are expensive and lack versatility, particularly in adapting to various pressure ratings and chemical resistance requirements.
Innovation Solution
A swivel fitting assembly comprising a specialized adaptor assembly with a tubular elastomeric insert, which can be easily installed in a threaded port and provides a cost-effective solution by allowing pivoting while maintaining a secure seal through an interference fit and O-ring compression, suitable for different applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a jam nut design is used to tighten a sealing plate against the port, then the fitting can be rotated to a specific angle before tightening, but the cost is relatively expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting is divided into separate functional components: a body portion with threaded engagement, a swivel portion with sealing elements, and a barbed fitting portion. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and assembled in different configurations, reducing overall cost while maintaining swivel capability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a jam nut to secure a sealing plate (conventional approach), the invention inverts the approach by using a barbed fitting that engages with the swivel portion through interference fit and mechanical interlocking. The sealing is achieved through elastomeric O-rings and grommets rather than a tightened sealing plate, eliminating the need for expensive jam nut mechanisms
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional swivel fitting is used, then swivel capability is provided, but versatility for different pressure ratings and chemical resistance requirements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The swivel portion is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple types of barbed fittings with different pressure ratings and material properties. The elastomeric insert and O-ring sealing system provide universal compatibility across various applications including fluid transfer, venting, and vacuum services, allowing a single basic design to serve multiple functions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention allows parameter changes in the barbed fitting portion (material composition, pressure rating, elastomer type) while maintaining the same basic swivel mechanism. This enables adaptation to different chemical resistance requirements and pressure ratings without redesigning the entire fitting, simply by changing the barbed fitting insert parameters
3Ease of manufacture
If a specialized adaptor assembly with elastomeric insert is used, then cost-effectiveness and versatility are improved, but installation complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing functions of the elastomeric insert, O-rings, and grommets are merged into a single integrated assembly that is pre-installed in the swivel portion. This merging reduces the number of separate components the installer must handle and ensures proper sealing without requiring complex assembly procedures, offsetting the apparent structural complexity with simplified installation
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 offers a cost-effective, versatile, and secure swivel fitting that can be easily installed and aligned, providing reliable sealing and resistance to pullout, suitable for various fluid transfer and venting applications.
Implementation Method 1
The adaptor assembly and barbed fitting can be easily installed in a threaded port and the resultant swivel fitting can then be pivoted to align with a tube or hose
Implementation Method 2
provides a cost-effective solution by allowing pivoting while maintaining a secure seal through an interference fit and O-ring compression
Implementation Method 3
An elastomeric material (such as nitrile butadiene rubber or 'NBR,' for example) can be selected for a tubular insert of the fitting to determine strength, pressure rating and chemical resistance properties
Data Source
AI summary
A swivel fitting adaptor having an elastomeric insert, and a swivel fitting assembly using the adaptor and insert, are disclosed herein. The swivel fitting assembly includes retention and sealing features that allow a barbed fitting, such as a tube, hose or vent fitting, to be installed by hand either before or after the adaptor and insert are installed in a threaded port. It is suitable for use in a variety of low to medium pressure fluid passage and venting applications.