Tube Fitting Assembly With Position Locator for Ferrule Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tube connector arrangements in gas and plumbing face challenges in accurately positioning ferrules for a leak-proof assembly, leading to potential leaks or damage, especially in field applications where rapid assembly is required, due to difficulties in maintaining precise positioning and the need for additional pre-swaging steps.
Innovation Solution
A method and assembly using a position locator fastened to the tube at a predetermined depth, with a compression nut and fitting body threading, to ensure accurate ferrule placement and prevent displacement, utilizing an assembly jig for efficient and quick positioning and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the ferrules are positioned at an accurate depth using a depth marking tool, then the sealing effect is improved, but the positioning is difficult to maintain as the tube slides during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
A position locator is introduced as an intermediary component that attaches to the tube and provides a stable reference for ferrule positioning. The position locator includes a positioning surface that abuts the ferrule and a securing mechanism (such as a clamp or locking feature) that prevents the tube from sliding during assembly, thereby maintaining positioning stability while achieving accurate ferrule depth placement.
2Manufacturing precision
If a pre-swaging tool is used to pre-swage the ferrules to the tube, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the assembly process requires additional steps causing delays
Solution Approach 1:
The position locator is designed to combine multiple functions into a single component: it provides positioning accuracy for the ferrules, secures the tube during assembly to prevent sliding, and can be quickly attached and removed. This integration eliminates the need for separate pre-swaging tools and steps, allowing rapid assembly while maintaining precise ferrule positioning.
3Manufacturing precision
If the ferrules are pre-swaged to the tube, then the positioning is improved, but the ferrules may get disturbed during tube removal or transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The position locator is attached to the tube before ferrule installation and remains in place throughout the assembly process. It provides continuous support and positioning for the ferrules, preventing them from getting disturbed during tube removal or transfer operations. The position locator's securing mechanism ensures the tube maintains its position relative to the ferrules and position locator throughout the entire process.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for connecting tubes includes a tube connector assembly and an assembly guide for positioning the position locator of the tube connector assembly. The tube connector assembly includes a position locator having a hollow cylindrical shape and configured to be fastened to an outer surface of a tube at a predetermined depth from a first end of the tube, at least one ferrule to be coaxially positioned against a first side of the position locator, and a compression nut to be coaxially positioned against a second side of the position locator opposite to the first side of the position locator. When the assembly guide is engaged with the tube connector assembly and a tube is inserted into a cavity of the compression nut, the length from the first end of the tube to the position locator is equivalent to the predetermined depth.