I have wrestled with quick connect hydraulic couplers on my tractor for years. Residual pressure left in the lines on my loader makes it impossible to re-connect and difficult to disconnect. So when I got some samples of Parker Hannifin’s Universal Push-to-Connect assembly, I thought maybe this was an answer to my wrestling with messy and stubborn couplers.
Alas, Parker Hannifin’s Tube Fittings Division (TFD) in Columbus developed a new hydraulic nut which promises to simplify connecting in high volume manufacturing lines, explains David Weis, TFD product sales manager.But once the male end is inserted in the new innovative nut coupling, it’s a permanent marriage. I’ll have to wait for quicker (and easier) connect couplers.
"The benefit is the time savings in manufacturing. Previously to make that connection, you had to put a wrench on the nut. In tight spaces, it’s busting you knuckes when you change your oil. Now, there’s no wrenches or turning. You just plug it in," Weis explains. TFB has a patent application pending on the new technology, Weis added. "It cannot escape even under vibration and extremely high pressure," says the press release.
The innovation in the new nut are three grooves which hold a seal, a clip ring and anti-intrusion ring. The clip and seal rings obviate the need to tighten and torque the nut so the male end seats and seals itself flush on the flat face near the threaded end of the nut. The new nut has the same flat face, but works when the male is merely inserted as opposed the the nut being tightened.
The new fittings are geared for high volume manufacturing environments and works with all most standard hydraulic port technologies, Weis adds. What’s more, the ability to plug in the technology instead of torqueing the nut also avoid hose twists leading failures. In turn, fewer warranty claims arise, Weis said. He added that other hydraulic component companies are developing similar technologies.
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