Universal Fluid Line Connector With Profiled Inner Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid line connectors fail to provide a secure and cost-effective solution for repairing damaged fluid lines of varying diameters, often requiring replacement of entire lines due to elevated pressures and size compatibility issues.
Innovation Solution
A fluid line connector with a profiled inner surface and radially compressible ferrule that adapts to different diameters, using a double-ended design with a conduit coupler to secure fluid lines through a combination of stepped regions and annular seals, ensuring a leak-resistant and easy-to-install repair.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional fluid line connector is used, then the connection is simple, but it cannot securely hold fluid lines of different diameters under elevated pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The connector features a profiled inner surface with multiple stepped regions of different diameters, allowing different sections of the connector to accommodate fluid lines of different diameters. This localized adaptation enables a single connector design to securely hold multiple diameter sizes under elevated pressure conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The ferrule is designed to be radially compressible, transitioning from a relaxed state to a compressed state when the conduit coupler is tightened. This dynamic compression allows the ferrule to adapt to the fluid line outer surface and maintain secure engagement under varying pressure conditions.
2Strength
If the ferrule is made rigid for structural strength, then it provides good support, but it cannot radially compress to engage the fluid line outer surface
Solution Approach 1:
The ferrule incorporates a flexible, radially compressible structure that can deform to engage the fluid line outer surface. This flexibility allows the ferrule to adapt to different fluid line diameters while maintaining sufficient structural strength to secure the connection under pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The ferrule is constructed with composite material properties, combining radial compressibility for engagement with sufficient structural strength for support. This composite approach allows the ferrule to exhibit both flexible deformation capabilities and adequate mechanical strength simultaneously.
3Reliability
If the connector is designed for high-pressure applications, then it provides secure connection, but it becomes more complex and difficult to install
Solution Approach 1:
The ferrule is pre-positioned in the open end of the main body in a relaxed state before the fluid line is inserted. This preliminary positioning allows for easy insertion of the fluid line, followed by compression of the ferrule against the fluid line outer surface when the conduit coupler is tightened, ensuring secure engagement without complex installation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The ferrule acts as an intermediary element between the fluid line and the conduit coupler. It translates the axial tightening force of the conduit coupler into radial compression force on the fluid line, providing a simple yet effective mechanism for achieving secure, leak-resistant connections under pressure.
4Ease of manufacture
If a single connector design is used for all fluid line diameters, then manufacturing is simplified, but the connector cannot adapt to different sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed as a universal component with a profiled inner surface containing multiple stepped regions of different diameters. This multi-functional design allows a single connector type to accommodate fluid lines of various diameters, simplifying manufacturing and inventory while maintaining adaptability to different sizes through the stepped region configuration.
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 connector provides a secure, adaptable, and cost-effective means to repair or connect fluid lines of various diameters, resisting pull-out and ensuring a fluid-tight seal, suitable for both low and high-pressure applications.
Implementation Method 1
This movement of the ferrule results in compression of the flexible portion of the ferrule due to engagement of corresponding ramped surfaces of the ferrule and the main body
Implementation Method 2
the inner surface of the conduit coupler includes a threaded inner portion corresponding to the outer threaded portion of the main body, so that the conduit coupler and the ferrule are axially movable together relative to the main body via rotation of the conduit coupler about the threaded body
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid line connector facilitates the rapid and inexpensive replacement or repair of damaged portions of a fluid line or conduit, such as a vehicular refrigerant line, oil line, fuel line, or the like. The fluid line connector includes a main body that can accommodate different sizes of fluid lines, with ferrules and conduit couplers attached at opposite ends of the main body. The conduit couplers, ferrules, and seals cooperate with the main body to retain and seal the respective open ends of the fluid line in the connector, thus creating a secure and sealed junction or connection along a fluid conduit.