Tubular Fitting Assembly With Deformed Locking Nut Flange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fittings for connecting tubular elements have a high number of components, leading to complexity and increased manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A fitting design with a single-piece inner sleeve and locking nut, where the locking nut is axially locked onto the sleeve by deforming its inner hooking flange to engage coupling flanges, reducing the number of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional fitting design with inner sleeve, locking nut, and locking ring is used, then the connection functionality is achieved, but the number of components increases leading to manufacturing complexity and higher costs
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring is integrated into the locking nut to form a single monoblock component. The locking nut features an integrated locking ring with an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the coupling flange, eliminating the need for a separate locking ring component while maintaining the axial locking functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking nut is designed to perform multiple functions: it receives and holds the second tubular element, provides axial positioning through the integrated locking ring that engages with the coupling flange, and maintains the connection structure without requiring additional dedicated locking components.
2Reliability
If multiple separate components (inner sleeve, locking nut, locking ring) are used, then the connection is secure, but manufacturing costs and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring and locking nut are merged into a single monoblock component manufactured as one piece, reducing the total component count from three (inner sleeve, locking nut, locking ring) to two (inner sleeve, integrated locking nut), thereby lowering manufacturing costs and simplifying production.
3Reliability
If multiple separate components are assembled, then the fitting functions properly, but assembly time and production efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated locking nut eliminates one assembly step by combining the locking ring and locking nut into a single pre-assembled component, reducing the number of assembly operations required and improving production efficiency.
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
The simplified design results in a more economical and efficient manufacturing process with fewer components, enhancing assembly efficiency and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
deforming its inner hooking flange to engage coupling flanges
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3C
Figure 3D~3F
AI summary
A fitting for the connection of two tubular elements (2, 3) has an inner sleeve (4) provided with two outer coupling flanges (14, 15), and a locking nut (16) provided with a hooking flange (19) having, in an initial configuration, an inner diameter (D4) that is greater than an outer diameter (D2, D3) of the coupling flange (14, 15) so as to allow the locking nut (16) to slide along the inner sleeve (4) and, in a final configuration, an inner diameter (D5) that is smaller than the outer diameter (D2, D3) of the two coupling flanges (14, 15) so as to allow the hooking flange (19) to be axially locked between the coupling flanges (14, 15).