Tube Fitting Assembly With Position Locator for Ferrule Depth Control
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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 due to improper depth placement, and require additional steps like pre-swaging, which are time-consuming and prone to errors in field applications.
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 rapid assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the ferrules are positioned at a smaller depth, then the assembly complexity is reduced, but the sealing effectiveness deteriorates and tube end damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A position locator component is introduced as an intermediary element between the ferrules and the tube. This position locator includes a positioning feature that engages with a corresponding feature on the tube to precisely locate the ferrules at the correct depth, thereby ensuring sealing effectiveness while simplifying the overall assembly process by providing a self-positioning mechanism
2Reliability
If the ferrules are positioned at a larger depth, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but the compression nut mating with the fitting body deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The position locator serves as a mediator that precisely controls ferrule positioning depth. By providing a dedicated positioning feature on the position locator that mates with a corresponding feature on the tube, the system achieves accurate ferrule depth placement without requiring complex assembly precision, as the position locator itself provides the positioning reference
3Ease of operation
If the tube is free to slide during compression nut fastening, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The position locator is pre-installed on the tube before the ferrules and compression nut assembly. This preliminary action establishes the correct ferrule positioning depth in advance, creating a reference structure that maintains positioning accuracy throughout the subsequent assembly operations, even as the tube slides during compression nut fastening
4Manufacturing precision
If additional pre-swaging steps are added, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The complex pre-swaging process is extracted and replaced by a simpler position locator installation. The position locator provides the necessary positioning function through its engagement features with the tube, eliminating the need for time-consuming pre-swaging operations while maintaining ferrule positioning accuracy, thereby significantly improving assembly speed and productivity
Data Source
AI summary
A method for connecting tubes includes fastening a position locator to an outer surface of a tube at a predetermined depth from a first end of a tube such that at least one ferrule abuts a flange of the position locator between the first end of the tube and the position locator. A tube connector assembly is formed by introducing a compression nut such that an inner wall of the compression nut surrounds the position locator and the at least one ferrule. A fitting body is introduced via the first end of the tube. The tube connector assembly is fastened to the fitting body using a first threading on the inner wall of the compression nut and a second threading on an outer wall of the fitting body such that the at least one ferrule is between the compression nut and the fitting body.