Threaded connectors and fasteners requiring a specific torque range can often lead to improper installation, as achieving the required torque can be difficult to ensure. Simply specifying “finger tight” or “tighten until secure” can lead to over or under tightening, which can cause various failures. Using a conventional torque wrench can overcome this issue, however sometimes this is not practical because of space constraints, part geometry, tool availability etc.

Diba’s patent pending Torque Right™ technology can help resolve this problem. By incorporating a feature into the threaded device that deflects or breaks off when a predetermined torque has been reached, guesswork is eliminated. Both tactile and visual feedback that the proper torque was applied is achieved by using Diba’s Torque Right™ technology. In the example below, a fluid connection fitting is tightened by turning the “tabs” of the fitting. In figure 1, the fitting has been turned to the point where the tubing has contacted the port. As can be seen, the tabs are pointed axially outward.

Figure 1: Fitting just seated

In figure 2, after the fitting is seated, it is tightened further until the correct torque is reached. When the correct torque is reached, the tabs deflect as shown and no further tightening is needed. Visual and tactile feedback has been given that the fitting has been properly tightened.

Figure 2: Fitting after properly tightening

While the images show how this technology works for fluid connections, Torque-Right Technology can be applied to fasteners as well, such as thumb screws and wing nuts. The technology can also be used to provide both the correct torque as well as tamper resistance, as the tabs can be formed such that they break away from a central body once the correct torque is reached. In figures 3 & 4, a fastener with break away wings is depicted.

Figure 3: Fastener not completely tightened

Figure 4: Fastener after tightening and tabs broken off

Fastener or fitting size, deflection/break- away torque, tab geometry and thread size/configuration can be customized for specific applications.

Copyright © 2008 Diba Industries, Inc. All Rights Reserved |