Threaded Fluid Coupling with Visual Assembly Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing threaded coupling assemblies for fluid-carrying conduits lack effective means to ensure complete assembly and are prone to cross-threading and misalignment, leading to potential leaks and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A threaded coupling assembly featuring tapered threads, self-alignment mechanisms, and a visual indicator system with contrasting visual characteristics to clearly indicate complete assembly, minimizing the risk of cross-threading and misalignment, and ensuring a secure, leak-free connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If straight threads are used for coupling assemblies, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the assembly is prone to cross-threading and requires a large assembly angle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thread geometry from straight to tapered threads. The tapered thread profile (with a typical included angle of 60 degrees) provides self-aligning characteristics that eliminate cross-threading issues while reducing the assembly angle required, thus improving reliability without significantly complicating manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered thread creates an asymmetric geometry where the thread angle varies along the length of the thread. This asymmetry provides a mechanical self-correcting feature that guides the mating threads into proper alignment during assembly, preventing cross-threading while requiring minimal assembly angle
2Device complexity
If no integral means to verify proper assembly is provided, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of assembly completion is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a visual indicator system using color-coded markings (such as green for complete assembly, red for incomplete) on the coupling components. This allows installers to quickly and accurately verify proper assembly completion without adding complex mechanical verification mechanisms, thus maintaining low device complexity while achieving high measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical verification systems (such as torque sensors, position sensors, or interlocking mechanisms) with a simple visual indication system. This substitution achieves accurate assembly verification through optical means rather than mechanical measurement, keeping the device simple while providing precise feedback on assembly completion
3Ease of operation
If two-color visual indication system is used, then ease of operation is improved, but erroneous interpretation may occur due to poor lighting, limited viewing angle, or installer visual impairment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the visual indicator system by adding multiple visual characteristics (different colors, patterns, or textures) at different locations on the coupling components. For example, the complete assembly state may be indicated by a specific color combination, a particular pattern alignment, or a visible gap closure, providing redundant visual cues that can be detected from various angles and lighting conditions, thus maintaining ease of operation while improving indication accuracy and reducing erroneous interpretation
Data Source
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Figure 5A~6B
AI summary
A threaded coupling assembly include a union (12), a tube end (14), and a coupling nut (16). A pair of telescoping indicator rings (30, 32), a radially outer ring and a radially inner ring, are respectively connected to the union and the nut. The inner ring has a first visual characteristic contrasting with a second visual characteristic of the inner ring. The outer ring has a third visual characteristic contrasting with the second visual characteristic of the inner ring. The first visual characteristic is aligned with and viewable through the window (60) of the outer ring when the threaded coupling assembly is in the fully assembled state, and the first visual characteristic is out of alignment with the window when the threaded coupling assembly is not in the fully assembled state. The assembly may utilize tapered threads and have one or more features for self-alignment and/or sealability.