The Boeing Company
Apparatus for coupling tubular components and associated methods

Abstract:

An apparatus for coupling together tubular components is described herein. The apparatus includes a coupling assembly with a coupling device having threads and an internal groove. The coupling assembly also includes a retainer clip positionable in the internal groove. The retainer clip is biased to apply a radially outward force against the internal groove when the retainer clip is positioned in the internal groove. The coupling assembly includes a ferrule, coupleable to the coupling device, in contact with the retainer clip when coupled to the coupling device to form an electrically conductive path through the coupling device, the retainer clip, and the ferrule. The retainer clip is configured to prevent movement of the coupling device relative to the ferrule when the retainer clip has an unbiased inner diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the ferrule or the retainer clip is not properly inserted into the internal groove.