Coupling nut visible tightness indicator

A fitting assembly configured to visibly indicate nut tightness when coupling a first component to a second component is disclosed. The fitting assembly comprises a nut comprising a threaded portion and a chamber portion, wherein the chamber portion comprises one or more through-holes. The fitting assembly also comprises an indicator slidably disposed within the chamber portion, a retainer assembly disposed within the chamber portion and configured to interlock with an inner surface of the nut, and a spring disposed within the chamber portion between, and engaging, the indicator and the retainer assembly. The retainer assembly is configured to interface with the spring to retain the spring within the chamber portion. The fitting assembly is configured to receive the first component and the second component such that, when the nut is rotated, a visibility of the indicator through the one or more through-holes changes.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a fitting assembly for coupling two components, and more particularly, to a fitting assembly configured for visibly indicating nut tightness when coupling two components.

BACKGROUND

Existing fittings, such as those used to couple components together at joints in hydraulic systems, are installed and torqued to ensure proper tightness and prevent leakage, but over time, such fittings can become loose. To address this, such fittings are often inspected to determine whether they are in an optimal tight position. In some existing inspection processes, for instance, an inspector (e.g., a mechanic or other individual that initially perform the coupling of the two components using the fitting assembly, or who is tasked with inspecting tightness of the coupling at a future point in time) can manually apply a “torque stripe” (e.g., a marking, such as with paint, putty, paste, or another material) to fittings that are deemed by the inspector to be tightened to a desired degree.

However, existing processes for inspecting the tightness of existing fittings can be inefficient, difficult, and susceptible to human error. For example, the inspector might mis-mark a joint. As another example, the inspector might need to manually search for and manipulate each of such fittings (e.g., attempt to rotate a nut of each fitting) to accurately evaluate the tightness of such fittings. This can be particularly inefficient on aircrafts or in other environments where there are numerous (e.g., hundreds) of such fittings to inspect and/or many or all of such fittings are in hard to reach places.

What is needed is a fitting assembly that is efficient to assemble and install, and that helps reduce the time and difficulty of inspection.

SUMMARY

In an example, a fitting assembly configured to visibly indicate nut tightness when coupling a first component to a second component is described. The fitting assembly comprises a nut comprising a threaded portion and a chamber portion, where the chamber portion comprises one or more through-holes. The fitting assembly also comprises an indicator slidably disposed within the chamber portion. The fitting assembly also comprises a retainer assembly disposed within the chamber portion and configured to interlock with an inner surface of the nut. The fitting assembly also comprises a spring disposed within the chamber portion between, and engaging, the indicator and the retainer assembly. The retainer assembly is configured to interface with the spring to retain the spring within the chamber portion. The fitting assembly is configured to receive the first component and the second component such that, when the nut is rotated, a visibility of the indicator through the one or more through-holes changes.

In another example, a method for coupling a first component to a second component. The method comprises coupling a fitting assembly to the first component. The fitting assembly comprises a nut comprising a threaded portion and a chamber portion, where the chamber portion comprises one or more through-holes. The fitting assembly also comprises an indicator slidably disposed within the chamber portion. The fitting assembly also comprises a retainer assembly disposed within the chamber portion and configured to interlock with an inner surface of the nut. The fitting assembly also comprises a spring disposed within the chamber portion between, and engaging, the indicator and the retainer assembly, where the retainer assembly is configured to interface with the spring to retain the spring within the chamber portion. The method also comprises coupling the nut to the second component such that the second component receives a portion of the first component. The method also comprises rotating the nut such that the threaded portion threadably engages with the second component and until a visibility of the indicator through the one or more through-holes changes.

In another example, a system is described. The system comprises a first component, a second component, and a fitting assembly configured to visibly indicate nut tightness when coupling the first component to the second component. The fitting assembly comprises a nut comprising a threaded portion and a chamber portion, where the chamber portion comprises one or more through-holes. The fitting assembly also comprises an indicator slidably disposed within the chamber portion. The fitting assembly also comprises a retainer assembly disposed within the chamber portion and configured to interlock with an inner surface of the nut. The fitting assembly also comprises a spring disposed within the chamber portion between, and engaging, the indicator and the retainer assembly. The retainer assembly is configured to interface with the spring to retain the spring within the chamber portion. The fitting assembly is configured to receive the first component and the second component such that, when the nut is rotated, a visibility of the indicator through the one or more through-holes changes.

The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed can be achieved independently in various examples or may be combined in yet other examples. Further details of the examples can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed examples will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all of the disclosed examples are shown. Indeed, several different examples may be described and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein. Rather, these examples are described so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

By the terms “substantially,” “about,” “approximately,” and “proximate” used herein, it is meant that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide.

Unless otherwise specifically noted, elements depicted in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

Within examples, described herein is a fitting assembly and a method for coupling a first component to a second component using the fitting assembly, particularly where the fitting assembly is designed such that it visibly indicates nut tightness. The disclosed fitting assembly can be used in various contexts, such as hydraulic systems or other systems in aircrafts or other vehicles, or in environments other than vehicles.

The disclosed fitting assembly includes a nut designed to accommodate other components of the fitting assembly, including a retainer assembly, a spring component, and an indicator. The fitting assembly is configured such that, when the fitting assembly is being used to couple a first component to a second component and the nut is rotated (e.g., when the nut's threading engages with a threading of one of the components), rotation of the nut causes a physical displacement of the indicator, which causes a visibility of the indicator to change. The physical displacement of the indicator can result from the indicator being pushed by one of the components, which in turn pushes the indicator against the spring, thereby compressing the spring between the retainer assembly and the indicator.

As an example of how the visibility of the indicator changes, one embodiment of the disclosed fitting assembly can include one or more through-holes through which the indicator can become more visible or less visible as the nut is tightened and the indicator is moved into or out of view. Additionally or alternatively, the indicator can include a portion that protrudes in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the nut and becomes more visible as the nut is tightened. Other examples are possible as well.

Furthermore, the disclosed fitting assembly, the indicator, the nut, etc. of the fitting assembly can be configured (e.g., machined to have certain dimensions) such that the visibility of the indicator accurately represents to an inspector the tightness of the connection between the two components. For example, only when a predefined desired amount of torque is applied to tighten the nut will the indicator no longer be visible through the one or more through-holes. As such, if the inspector sees that the indicator is half visible through the one or more through-holes, the inspector might determine that the nut must be re-tightened. Other example scenarios are possible.

In these and other ways, the disclosed fitting assembly advantageously allows an inspector to more quickly and more easily determine whether a nut is tightened to a desired degree, thereby reducing false positives during inspection and making the inspection process easier and more efficient. For example, the disclosed fitting assembly's built-in indicator of tightness can be easier to notice than other existing mechanisms (e.g., torque stripes), eliminate or reduce the need for existing mechanisms (e.g., applying a torque stripe), and eliminate or reduce the need for an inspector to manually check the tightness of each fitting.

These and other improvements are described in more detail below. Implementations described below are for purposes of example. The implementations described below, as well as other implementations, may provide other improvements as well.

Referring now to the figures,FIG.1is a cross-sectional view of an example of a fitting assembly100. The fitting assembly100includes a nut102having a threaded portion104and a chamber portion106, where the chamber portion106has one or more through-holes108. The fitting assembly100also includes an indicator110slidably disposed within the chamber portion106, a retainer assembly112disposed within the chamber portion106, and a spring114disposed within the chamber portion106between, and engaging, the indicator110and the retainer assembly112.

The nut102can take the form of a typical nut that is designed to accommodate the indicator110, the retainer assembly112, and the spring114. Alternatively, the nut102can take the form of another type of threaded fastener. The threaded portion104and the chamber portion106of the nut102can each define a substantially annular space within the nut102in some examples, whereas in other examples, the threaded portion104might define a substantially annular space and the chamber portion106might define a space having a different cylinder (e.g., a non-annular shape, such as rectangular). Other example nuts and shapes are possible as well. In an embodiment where the nut102is substantially annular, the indicator110, the retainer assembly112, and/or the spring114can be made to be substantially annular as well.

As shown, the one or more through-holes108are shown as being disposed in the wall of the nut102that defines the chamber portion106—namely, at a location along the length of the chamber portion106that borders the threaded portion104. In alternative embodiments, at least one of the one or more through-holes108can be disposed at a different location along the length of the chamber portion106.

The indicator110can take the form of a physical object having dimensions that enable the indicator110to be disposed within the chamber portion106. The indicator110can be made of metal (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, titanium), plastic, and/or another material. Further, the indicator110can be configured to appear noticeably distinct from other components in the fitting assembly100, so that an inspector can more easily determine whether the indicator110is visible or not. To facilitate this, for example, the indicator110can be arranged within the chamber portion106such that at least one surface of the indicator110, such as surface116shown inFIG.1, can be viewed through the one or more through-holes108. The surface116(and perhaps additionally other surfaces of the indicator110) can be color-coated, include letters or numbers, or otherwise be made to be noticeable by someone looking through the one or more through-holes108. In one specific example, the indicator110can be made of metal and the surface116can be color coated (e.g., with painted dye or another colored material). Additionally or alternatively, the surface116can be made of a non-reflective material such that, if an inspector shines a light on the fitting assembly100, the surface116might be more distinguishable from other, more reflective surfaces of other components of the fitting assembly100. Other examples are possible as well.

As shown, at the border of the chamber portion106and the threaded portion104, the indicator110is positioned and held in place between the spring114and a ledge117that projects towards an interior space of the nut102.

The retainer assembly112is configured to interlock with an inner surface118of the nut102(e.g., a surface of the wall of the chamber portion106) and configured to interface with the spring114to retain the spring114within the chamber portion106. The retainer assembly112can take the form of a single physical object or can include multiple physical objects that engage with each other to facilitate retention of the spring114. As such, when the spring114is compressed during rotation of the nut102, the indicator110moves within the chamber portion106without becoming dislodged or moved in an undesirable way. Thus, by extension, the retainer assembly112also retains the indicator110within the chamber portion106. The retainer assembly can be made of metal and/or another material.

An example form that the retainer assembly112can take is shown inFIG.1. Specifically, the retainer assembly112includes a retaining ring120and a retainer122. In this example, the retaining ring120is configured to engage with the retainer122and a recess124disposed in the inner surface118of the nut102to retain the retainer122within the chamber portion106. The retainer122and the retaining ring120thus retain the spring114within the chamber portion106. The retaining ring120can be made of carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, and/or another type of material. The retainer122can be made of stainless steel and/or another type of material. The retainer assembly112can take other forms in alternative embodiments, such as a single snap ring.

The spring114can take the form of a compression spring, a plurality of spring washers, or another type of spring configured to compress and withstand the load caused by rotation of the nut102in coupling two components.

FIG.2depicts a perspective view of the fitting assembly100. As shown, the nut102of fitting assembly100has a hexagonal exterior, with a respective one of the one or more through-holes108disposed in each of three hexagonal surfaces of the nut102. As further shown, the surface116of the indicator110(e.g., a color-coated surface) is visible through each of the three through-holes.

FIG.3depicts an exploded view of the fitting assembly100, including each of the components described above with respect toFIGS.1and2. As shown inFIGS.2and3, the indicator110, the retainer assembly112, the spring114, and the chamber portion106are annular and configured to receive a first of two components. However, as discussed above, one or more of these components of the fitting assembly100can have other shapes in alternative examples.

Next,FIGS.4and5illustrate an example of a system150comprising the fitting assembly100, a first component152, and a second component154. Specifically,FIGS.4and5illustrate the fitting assembly100being used to couple a first component152to a second component154. In the example shown inFIGS.4and5, the first component152takes the form of a cylindrical sleeve member having a flange156configured to engage with the indicator110, and the second component154takes the form of a cylindrical union having a threaded section158configured to threadably engage with the threaded portion104of the nut102and further configured to receive at least a portion of the first component152. Specifically, the first component152and the second component154can be a cylindrical sleeve member and a cylindrical union, respectively, that are each configured for use in carrying fluid in a hydraulic system of a vehicle such as an aircraft. The first component152and/or the second component154can be made of aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, and/or another type of material. The first component152and/or the second component154can be flexible or rigid. In alternative examples, the first component152and the second component154can be configured to carry other types of media and/or the first component152and the second component154can take other forms.

FIG.4depicts a side view and cross-sectional side view of the fitting assembly100. Specifically,FIG.4depicts the fitting assembly100before the nut102is rotated and tightened to couple the first component152to the second component154.

To facilitate coupling of the first component152to the second component154, the indicator110is configured for engagement with, and positioning between, the spring114and the flange156of the first component152. Further, the threaded portion104of the nut102is configured to threadably engage with the threaded section158of the second component154and to receive at least a portion of the first component152, as will be described next.

As discussed above, the fitting assembly100is configured to receive the first component152and the second component154such that, when the nut102is rotated, a visibility of the indicator110—namely, a visibility of surface116(e.g., a color-coated surface of the indicator110)—through the one or more through-holes108changes. In the example shown inFIGS.4and5, the one or more through-holes108take the form of a plurality of through-holes with each hexagonal surface of the nut102having a respective one of the plurality of through-holes, and the fitting assembly100is configured such that, when the nut102is rotated, the indicator110will become less visible through each of the plurality of through-holes. An advantage of having a plurality of through-holes such as this, as well as having the indicator110be annular-shaped (e.g., a full 360° indicator110or at least 270°), is that the tightness of the nut102can be easily seen from various angles. In some scenarios, the fitting assembly100, the first component152, and the second component154might be located at a hard to reach or hard to view location in an environment (e.g., on an aircraft). Thus, having a plurality of through-holes can make the fitting assembly100adaptable for use in various environments and can help an inspector see whether the indicator110is visible through at least one through-hole of the plurality when at least one other through-hole of the plurality might be obstructed from view by other objects in the environment. These advantages can also be achieved with less through-holes and where the indicator110has a different shape than that shown in the examples herein.

In use, the first component152can be inserted into the threaded end of the nut102(i.e., the opening at the threaded portion104of the nut102) until the flange156engages with the indicator110. An end of the first component152can then be inserted partially into an opening located at the end of the second component154that has the threaded section158. Before the nut102is tightened, the spring114is in an uncompressed state and the indicator110rests between the flange156and the spring114. As the nut102is then tightened, the threaded section158of the second component154engages the threaded portion104of the nut102and the flange156pushes the indicator110, which compresses the spring114between the indicator110and the retainer assembly112. Due to the position of the plurality of through-holes and the movement of the indicator110, the surface116of the indicator110thus becomes less visible through the plurality of through-holes as the nut102is rotated.

FIG.5depicts another side view and another cross-sectional side view of the fitting assembly100. Specifically,FIG.5depicts the fitting assembly100after the nut102has been rotated and tightened to couple the first component152to the second component154. As shown, the surface116of the indicator110is no longer visible through the plurality of through-holes, which might indicate to an inspector that the nut102is sufficiently tightened.

In alternative examples, the fitting assembly100can be configured such that, when the nut102is rotated, a visibility of the indicator110changes in a different way than the example shown inFIGS.4and5. For example, the one or more through-holes108can be positioned at a different location (e.g., farther from where the chamber portion106borders the threaded portion104and closer to the opening of the nut102at the chamber portion106end of the nut102). As so arranged, when the nut102is rotated, the surface116of the indicator110will become more visible through the one or more through-holes108(e.g., through each of a plurality of through-holes). Other examples are possible as well.

FIG.6depicts the indicator110of the fitting assembly100in contact with the flange156of the first component152. In particular,FIG.6shows a first surface160of the indicator110configured to interface with one end of the spring114(for simplicity, the spring114, the nut102, and other components of the fitting assembly100are not shown) and a second surface162of the indicator110configured to interface with the flange156of the first component152. The second surface162is also configured to bear the load caused by a tightening of the nut102. A representative arrow164is shown to indicate the direction of the force applied by torqueing the nut102. In practice, the indicator110can be coated in a lubricant to reduce friction between the indicator110and the nut102and between the indicator110and the first component152. One reason it can be useful to reduce friction is to reduce or eliminate rotation of the first component152and the second component154. With excessive friction, torqueing of the nut102can cause rotation of the first component152and the second component154.

FIG.7depicts a zoomed-in view of a portion of the retainer assembly112of the fitting assembly100, specifically a form of the retainer assembly112that is comprised of the retainer122and the retaining ring120. As shown, the retainer122can include a substantially L-shaped surface166, a spring interface surface168, and a chamfered surface170.

The substantially L-shaped surface166can be configured to help retain the retaining ring120in the recess124in the inner surface118of the nut102. In particular, when a force is exerted on the retainer122(e.g., by the spring114compressing against the spring interface surface168), the retainer122will also push against the retaining ring120, which causes the retaining ring120to push against the inner surface118in the recess124, thereby locking the retaining ring120in the recess124. Further, the chamfered surface170can include a 45° chamfer or a chamfer having a different shape and angle. The chamfered surface170can help provide wiggle room for the first component152in scenarios where there is intended or unintended flexion of the first component152.

FIG.8depicts another cross-sectional side view of the fitting assembly100. In particular,FIG.8shows an example bent component172that represents a component that can be encircled by, but might exhibit bending within, the fitting assembly100. In some embodiments, the bent component172can be the first component152. As shown, the design of the retainer122and the indicator110can provide relief for the bent component172, thus allowing for the fitting assembly100to be used in scenarios where one or both of the components that are being coupled might flex and bend. As noted above, the chamfered surface170of the retainer122can accomplish this. Additionally or alternatively, and as shown inFIG.8, the indicator110can include a chamfered surface174as well for the same purpose.

Furthermore,FIG.8also illustrates a height, h, of the portion of the retainer122having the substantially L-shaped surface166and a displacement, d, of the spring114. In some embodiments, the displacement of the spring114should be greater than or equal to the height of the retainer122to assemble the fitting assembly100. More particularly, the spring114must be compressed at least by a dimension of h in order for the retainer122to be displaced far enough into the chamber portion106to insert the retaining ring120.

Next,FIGS.9and10each relate to an alternative example of the fitting assembly100. As shown inFIGS.9and10, some of the above-described components of the fitting assembly100can take alternative forms that together provide another manner in which tightness of the nut102can be visibly indicated.

FIG.9depicts an exploded view of the alternative example of the fitting assembly100. As shown, the indicator110has a cylindrical portion and a flange, where the cylindrical portion has a radius that is smaller than a radius of the spring114and the retainer assembly112, so as to allow the indicator110to protrude out of an opening176of the nut102as the nut102is rotated. In this example, the cylindrical portion of the indicator110is the surface116of which a visibility changes when the nut102is rotated. As further shown, the retainer assembly112takes the form of a snap ring, although in alternative examples a retainer and retaining ring could be used. And as further shown, the nut102does not include the one or more through-holes108shown inFIGS.1-5. However, in alternative examples, the nut102can include the one or more through-holes108which, in combination with the indicator110shown inFIG.9, can provide a visual indication of a tightness of the nut102(e.g., when tight, the surface116might protrude out of the opening176, but might not be visible through the one or more through-holes108).

FIG.10depicts a cross-sectional side view of the alternative example of the fitting assembly100being used to couple the first component152to the second component154. For simplicity, the second component154is not shown. On the left ofFIG.10, the surface116of the indicator110is not visible (e.g., not visible when an inspector is viewing the fitting assembly100from the side, which can occur in practice), and on the right ofFIG.10, the surface116is visible after the nut102has been rotated. Specifically, the cylindrical portion of the indicator110can be configured to have a length such that the surface116does not protrude out of the opening176when the nut102has not been tightened to a desired degree. Thus, when the nut102is rotated, the flange156pushes the indicator110, which compresses the spring114between the indicator110and the retainer assembly112and pushes the surface116in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis178of the nut102such that the indicator110protrudes out of the opening176and becomes more visible.

The above-described advantages and visual indication of nut tightness can also be accomplished in various possible alternative examples of the fitting assembly100, such as examples that include more or less components than the examples illustrated inFIGS.1-10.

FIG.11, for example, is another example of a system180that includes the first component152, the second component154, and another alternative example of the fitting assembly100. As shown inFIG.11, the fitting assembly100includes the nut102(in which the one or more through-holes108are disposed) and a washer182sized and positioned to engage the recess124disposed in the inner surface118of the nut102as well as to engage the flange156of the first component152. Engaged with the recess124and the flange156in this manner, the washer182can retain a portion of the first component152within the nut102(e.g., prevent the first component152from being pushed out from within the nut102during tightening of the nut102). The washer182can be made of metal, plastic, and/or another material, and can take various forms, such as a spring washer (e.g., Belleville washer, wave washer, etc.) or other type of washer.

In the embodiment shown inFIG.11, as well as in other embodiments where the fitting assembly100might not include a separate physical component as an indicator, the indicator of tightness of the nut102can take various forms. For example, at least a portion of the second component154(e.g., the threaded section158) can be configured (e.g., painted, manufactured, etc.) with a surface that acts as an indicator whose visibility changes through the one or more through-holes108when the nut102is tightened. As another example, at least a portion of the first component152can be configured (e.g., painted, manufactured, etc.) with a surface that acts as an indicator whose visibility changes through the one or more through-holes108when the nut102is tightened. For instance, as shown inFIG.11, an outer surface184of the first component152adjacent to the flange156can be color coated or coated/manufactured in another way described above such that the outer surface184is visible to an inspector through the one or more through-holes108before the nut102is tightened, but becomes less visible as the nut102is tightened due to movement of the one or more through-holes108with respect to the location of the outer surface184. Alternatively, depending on the location of the outer surface184and/or the one or more through-holes108, the outer surface184might become more visible through the one or more through-holes108as the nut102is tightened. Other examples are possible as well.

FIG.12shows a flowchart of an example of a method200that could be used with the fitting assembly100shown inFIGS.1,2,3,4,5,6,7, and8, or the fitting assembly shown inFIGS.9,10, and11, particularly for using such a fitting assembly for coupling a first component to a second component such that nut tightness is visibly indicated. Method200may include one or more operations, functions, or actions as illustrated by one or more of blocks202-206.

At block202, the method200includes coupling a fitting assembly to the first component, where the fitting assembly comprises a nut comprising a threaded portion and a chamber portion, where the chamber portion comprises one or more through-holes, where the fitting assembly comprises an indicator slidably disposed within the chamber portion, where the fitting assembly comprises a retainer assembly disposed within the chamber portion and configured to interlock with an inner surface of the nut, where the fitting assembly comprises a spring disposed within the chamber portion between, and engaging, the indicator and the retainer assembly, where the retainer assembly is configured to interface with the spring to retain the spring within the chamber portion.

At block204, the method200includes coupling the nut to the second component such that the second component receives a portion of the first component.

At block206, the method200includes rotating the nut such that the threaded portion threadably engages with the second component and until a visibility of the indicator through the one or more through-holes changes.

FIG.13shows a flowchart of an example method for performing the rotating as shown in block206. At block208, functions include rotating the nut until the indicator is less visible through the one or more through-holes than before the nut was rotated.

FIG.14shows a flowchart of another example method for performing the rotating as shown in block206. At block210, functions include rotating the nut until the indicator is more visible through the one or more through-holes than before the nut was rotated.

FIG.15shows a flowchart of another example method for performing the rotating as shown in block206, particularly in an embodiment where the one or more through-holes comprises a plurality of through-holes, and where the indicator is annular. At block212, functions include rotating the nut until the visibility of the indicator through each of the plurality of through-holes changes.

FIG.16shows a flowchart of another example method for performing the rotating as shown in block206, particularly in an embodiment where the indicator is made of metal and comprises a color-coated surface. At block214, functions include rotating the nut until a visibility of the color-coated surface through the one or more through-holes changes.

Devices or systems may be used or configured to perform logical functions presented inFIGS.12,13,14,15, and16. In some instances, components of the devices and/or systems may be configured to perform the functions such that the components are actually configured and structured (with hardware and/or software) to enable such performance. In other examples, components of the devices and/or systems may be arranged to be adapted to, capable of, or suited for performing the functions, such as when operated in a specific manner. Although blocks inFIGS.12,13,14,15, and16, are illustrated in a sequential order, these blocks may also be performed in parallel, and/or in a different order than those described herein. Also, the various blocks may be combined into fewer blocks, divided into additional blocks, and/or removed based upon the desired implementation.

It should be understood that for these and other processes and methods disclosed herein, flowcharts show functionality and operation of one possible implementation of present examples. In this regard, each block or portions of each block may represent a module, a segment, or a portion of program code, which includes one or more instructions executable by a processor for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process. The program code may be stored on any type of computer readable medium or data storage, for example, such as a storage device including a disk or hard drive. Further, the program code can be encoded on a computer-readable storage media in a machine-readable format, or on other non-transitory media or articles of manufacture. The computer readable medium may include non-transitory computer readable medium or memory, for example, such as computer-readable media that stores data for short periods of time like register memory, processor cache and Random Access Memory (RAM). The computer readable medium may also include non-transitory media, such as secondary or persistent long term storage, like read only memory (ROM), optical or magnetic disks, compact-disc read only memory (CD-ROM), for example. The computer readable media may also be any other volatile or non-volatile storage systems. The computer readable medium may be considered a tangible computer readable storage medium, for example.

In addition, each block or portions of each block inFIGS.12,13,14,15, and16may represent circuitry that is wired to perform the specific logical functions in the process. Alternative implementations are included within the scope of the examples of the present disclosure in which functions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrent or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art.

Different examples of the system(s), device(s), and method(s) disclosed herein include a variety of components, features, and functionalities. It should be understood that the various examples of the system(s), device(s), and method(s) disclosed herein may include any of the components, features, and functionalities of any of the other examples of the system(s), device(s), and method(s) disclosed herein in any combination or any sub-combination, and all of such possibilities are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure.