Quick-Connect Tube Fitting Cam-Lock Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tubing connections face issues with improper torque application, ergonomic challenges due to high torque values, and difficulty in installation in hard-to-reach spaces, leading to prolonged assembly times and lack of indication for proper connection.

Innovation Solution

A quick-connect tube fitting with a nut and sleeve design that allows tool-less installation, featuring elastomeric seals and a positive latching system with tines and flanges for secure sealing and easy assembly, providing tactile, aural, and visual indications of proper connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If threaded connection with high torque is used, then secure sealing is achieved, but ergonomic challenges and difficulty in hard-to-reach spaces occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidassembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional threaded mechanical connection system with a cam-actuated locking mechanism. The cam lever transforms rotational motion into linear clamping force, eliminating the need for high torque wrench operations while achieving secure metal-to-metal sealing through controlled mechanical advantage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a cam mechanism as an intermediary between the operator's manual force and the sealing surfaces. This cam mediator amplifies applied force through its geometric profile, enabling secure connection with minimal operator effort and without requiring access to hard-to-reach spaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If threaded connection with tools is used, then proper torque can be applied, but prolonged assembly time occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque precisionVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cam-actuated mechanism is self-regulating, automatically achieving the correct clamping force through its geometric profile without requiring external torque measurement or precision control. The operator simply applies force to the lever, and the cam geometry self-adjusts to optimize the sealing pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the time-consuming elements of traditional threaded connections—torque measurement, tool selection, and precision tightening control—and replaces them with a simple lever-actuated system that achieves proper sealing through inherent mechanical design rather than controlled application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Loss of time

If quick-connect coupling is used, then assembly time is reduced, but indication of proper connection is not provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly timeVSAvoidconnection status indication

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates visual feedback through indexing features and alignment marks that become visible or align when the cam mechanism is properly engaged. This provides immediate confirmation to the operator that the connection is correct, eliminating uncertainty without requiring additional tools or inspection steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Reliability

If metal on metal seal with high torque is used, then secure connection is achieved, but ergonomic effects and improper torque application occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidtorque application ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the direct high-torque threading operation with a cam-actuated system that converts minimal operator force into high clamping pressure through mechanical advantage. This eliminates ergonomic strain while maintaining secure metal-to-metal sealing through precisely controlled force application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 rapid, low-force assembly and secure sealing in under 5 seconds, eliminating the need for torque values and preventing over-tightening, while allowing installation in limited spaces with visual confirmation of a proper seal.

Implementation Method 1

at least one elastomeric seal engages a sealing surface to form a secure seal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a positive latching system with tines and flanges for secure sealing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP2902686B1Tube fitting

Publication Date: 2019.03.13 THE BOEING CO

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AI summary

A tube fitting (105) including a first fitting member (102) comprising a body including a flange (109), a second fitting member (100, 101) comprising a body including a plurality of tines (106) extending from the body, the plurality of tines being configured to engage the flange where the plurality of tines and the flange are configured to secure the first and second fitting members to each other, and at least one seal (103) disposed between the first fitting member and the second fitting member.