Elastomeric Swivel Fitting Adaptor for Tool-Free Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swivel fittings for low-pressure fluid passage and venting applications, such as those used in hydrostatic drive units, face issues like requiring tools for installation, being expensive, potential leakage due to inadequate sealing, and insufficient retention force, especially when used with threaded ports.
Innovation Solution
A specialized elastomeric adaptor that allows easy installation of a conventional barbed fitting in a threaded port without tools, providing a versatile swivel fitting that can be pivoted for alignment, using radial compression zones for a positive seal and retention, eliminating the need for machining and ensuring no leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a jam nut design is used to tighten a sealing plate against the port, then sealing capability is improved, but installation complexity increases requiring tools and multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the sealing function from a separate sealing plate and jam nut assembly and integrates it directly into the adaptor body. The adaptor includes an integrated sealing surface and retention mechanism that combines sealing and retention functions into a single component, eliminating the need for separate sealing plates and jam nuts.
Solution Approach 2:
The barbed fitting itself serves the dual function of both securing the adaptor to the port and creating the seal. The barbs engage with the adaptor's retention features to hold it in place while the barbed interface creates the sealing action, eliminating the need for separate sealing components and tools.
2Ease of operation
If a smooth adaptor with barbed fitting is used, then installation ease is improved, but sealing reliability deteriorates causing leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor features a localized threaded interface region that engages with the port to provide secure mounting, while the body remains smooth for easy insertion. The sealing surface is specifically positioned at the interface between the adaptor and port, providing localized sealing action where needed without requiring threading throughout the entire adaptor.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor has an asymmetric design with external threads on one end for port engagement and a smooth cylindrical body for insertion. The barbed fitting creates an asymmetric interference fit within the adaptor, with barbs positioned to engage retention features in a specific orientation that provides both ease of installation and reliable sealing.
3Ease of operation
If a smooth adaptor is used in a smooth-bore port, then installation simplicity is improved, but retention force deteriorates causing insufficient holding
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor is segmented into distinct functional zones: a threaded engagement section for secure port mounting, a smooth insertion body for easy installation, and a barbed fitting section for fluid connection. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its specific function while working together as a unified component.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor is designed to be pre-installed in the port before the barbed fitting is inserted. The threaded portion is already engaged with the port, providing a secure foundation. When the barbed fitting is subsequently inserted, it engages the retention features of the pre-installed adaptor, creating a cumulative retention effect that ensures secure holding.
4Force
If a specialized port machining is required, then fitting retention is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor is designed with a universal threaded interface that can be installed in standard threaded ports without requiring any specialized machining. The same adaptor design works across multiple applications and port types, eliminating the need for custom-port fabrication while maintaining strong retention through the threaded engagement and barbed fitting combination.
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 tool-free installation, improved sealing, and secure retention of the swivel fitting in threaded ports, enhancing versatility and reducing manufacturing costs while preventing fluid leakage.
Implementation Method 1
Two zones of radial compression cooperate to seal the adaptor in the threaded port and retain the barbed fitting in the adaptor
Implementation Method 2
A specialized elastomeric adaptor for receiving and retaining a conventional barbed fitting in a threaded port
Implementation Method 3
The conical barb does not pass all the way through the adaptor opening, thereby ensuring a tight joint that resists pullout of either the fitting or the adaptor from the threaded port
Data Source
AI summary
An elastomeric press-in-place swivel fitting adaptor and a swivel fitting assembly using the adaptor are disclosed herein. The swivel fitting assembly includes retention and sealing features that allow it to be installed in a threaded port by hand. It is suitable for use in a variety of low pressure fluid passage and venting applications.