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Fastener strapped for safety
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10/12/2003
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Problem In safety critical systems, it is an extremely good idea to check that hoses are properly connected before doing anything. Nowhere is this more true than in aerospace, where they are likely to be carrying fuel, oxygen or some other substance vital to continued functioning.
Quick visual checks are not enough. It is very easy to have hose ends placed together, but in such a way that they are not locked together, coming apart the first moment that fluid is forced through them or as a result of vibration.
Solution: The latest 21J02 series of flexible fluid couplings from Hydraflow use a clam shell which locks automatically when the two halves are snapped together. It cannot disengage accidentally since all three latch pawls must be lifted simultaneously to disengage the latch.
In addition, and this is the clever bit, the device also includes a short strap which hooks onto a protuberance, but can only be engaged if the coupling is completely closed. It is thus possible not only to see at a glance that all couplings are properly connected, but also to feel that they are properly connected, either in the dark, or in some difficult to access place.
Applications: fluid systems may be for fuel, environmental control systems (ECS), oxygen, potable water, pitot static air pressure or electronic cooling. For flexible fuel couplings, pressure ratings are 400 PSIG at 300 deg F for sizes 8-14, 200 PSIG at 300 deg F for sizes 14 - 16 and 12o PSIG at 120 deg F for sizes 20 to 64. The latch pawls may be operated without damage to chemical, biological, radiological gloves and while wearing arctic gloves. Axial adjustment is 1/4 inch nominal. Angular misalignment is {{plusminus}} 4 deg. Lightning protection is provided to at least 1500A when tested in accordance with MIL-STD-1757 test method T03. TS
Company Name
Andrew Worsfold at Specialty Fasteners and Components
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Author
Tom Shelley
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