Universal Fluid Coupling With Discontinuous Flange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid coupling assemblies are limited by the need for multiple types of couplings for different applications and geographic regions, making them expensive and impractical for widespread use, especially in DIY and smaller contractor markets, where simplicity and versatility in fluid distribution systems are desired.
Innovation Solution
A universal fluid coupling assembly with a coupler housing and outer coupler flange featuring a predetermined circumferential envelope with discontinuities, allowing for interchangeable fitting members such as flange, threaded union, sweat, and NPT types, using a captive ring for securement, enabling easy switching between different types of fittings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of couplings are used for different applications and geographic regions, then compatibility with various mating connectors is improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler housing is designed with a universal outer coupler flange featuring a predetermined circumferential envelope with discontinuities that can accommodate multiple types of fitting members (flange, threaded union, sweat, NPT). This single housing design replaces the need for multiple dedicated coupling types, allowing one housing to serve multiple functions across different applications and geographic regions while maintaining compatibility with various mating connectors
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of couplings are stocked for different applications, then adaptability to various needs is improved, but cost and practicality worsen
Solution Approach 1:
By designing a single coupler housing that can accept multiple types of fitting members through its circumferential envelope with discontinuities, the system reduces inventory requirements from numerous dedicated coupling types to a single universal housing plus interchangeable fittings, making it practical for DIY and smaller contractors
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling system is divided into a universal housing component and interchangeable fitting members. This segmentation allows the housing to remain constant while only the fitting members need to be swapped for different applications, reducing the quantity of housing units that must be stocked while maintaining adaptability
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional dedicated coupling types are used, then ease of manufacture for specific applications is improved, but ease of operation and installation simplicity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The universal housing design maintains manufacturing simplicity by using a standardized housing structure that can accommodate multiple fitting types, while greatly improving ease of operation by allowing installers to choose the appropriate fitting member for their specific application without needing to manufacture or stock multiple housing types
Data Source
AI summary
An universal fluid coupling assembly is provided that includes a coupler housing that has an inner bore extending along an axis of, and opening onto a mating end of, the coupler housing. The coupler housing has an outer perimeter that includes an outer coupler flange that extends about the outer perimeter and that is located proximate to the mating end. The outer coupler flange has a periphery that follows a predetermined circumferential envelope and that has at least one discontinuity therein to define a blank area in the envelope. The assembly further includes a fitting member with an aperture there through. The aperture has an inner diameter that is smaller than the circumferential envelope of the outer coupler flange. The fitting member is loaded over the outer coupler flange onto the outer perimeter of the coupler housing by orienting the fitting member in a non-orthogonal relation with the coupler housing such that the outer coupler flange passes through the aperture. The circumferential envelope of the outer coupler flange may be generally circular, with the discontinuity including at least one flat cut across a portion of the circumferential envelope to define the blank area.