Torque Collar Conduit Fitting Stroke Limiting Remakes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conduit fittings that require pull-up by turns are not suitable for industries accustomed to assembly by torque, as torque variations due to tolerance stack-up and material properties make it difficult to ensure proper stroke and seal, limiting the number of reliable remakes.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a stroke limiting feature, such as a torque collar, that allows fittings to be pulled up by both turns and torque, ensuring consistent conduit grip and seal, and enabling multiple reliable remakes by maintaining a predetermined torque value.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fittings are pulled up by turns, then consistent conduit grip and seal are achieved, but the fittings are not suitable for industries accustomed to assembly by torque
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting is designed to accept both turns-based and torque-based assembly methods through the torque collar mechanism. The collar can be installed to enable torque control, allowing the same fitting to serve both traditional turns-based applications and modern torque-based industries, thus achieving multi-functionality and broader adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If torque variations are allowed due to tolerance stack-up and material properties, then ease of assembly is improved, but it becomes difficult to ensure proper stroke and seal
Solution Approach 1:
The torque collar provides mechanical feedback through its engagement features (such as ramps or detents) that indicate when the correct torque and corresponding stroke have been achieved. This feedback mechanism ensures that even with torque variations, the assembler can verify proper installation, maintaining seal reliability while preserving ease of operation.
3Productivity
If torque is used for assembly, then productivity is improved, but the number of reliable remakes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The torque collar is pre-configured with engagement features that establish the correct stroke position before final tightening. This preliminary positioning ensures that each remake returns to the precise original configuration, allowing multiple reliable remakes while maintaining high assembly productivity through torque-based installation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If stroke limiting features are added to enable torque-based pull-up, then adaptability to torque-based industries is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The torque collar is designed as a compact, nested component that integrates within the existing fitting structure. The collar fits over the conduit and engages with the fitting body, adding torque-limiting functionality without requiring significant structural changes or external attachments, thus minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A conduit fitting of the type having first and second threaded fitting components and at least one conduit gripping device, further includes a stroke limiting member that allows the fitting to be pulled up by applying a predetermined torque. In one embodiment, the stroke limiting member may be a non-integral torque collar and in another embodiment the stroke limiting member may be two engaging surfaces integrally formed with the fitting components. Alternatively, the fitting may also be pulled up by turns. In still another embodiment, a stroke limiting member is provided that may be used to enable a fitting that is designed to be pulled up by turns to also be pulled up by torque. The stroke limiting member facilitates many remakes of the fitting, including remakes by torque.