Scotch yoke gimbal joint
The gimbal joint addresses the complexity and weight issues of conventional designs by enabling efficient angular movement and vibration isolation through a scotch yoke mechanism with clevises and a bellows, providing a lightweight and cost-effective solution for aircraft fuel lines.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024221250
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-12-21
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-18
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-08
AI Technical Summary
Conventional gimbal expansion joints used in aircraft fuel lines are overly complex, increasing weight and cost while failing to efficiently provide angular movement and vibration isolation.
A gimbal joint designed with a pair of clevises and a bellows that allows for relative translational and rotational movement, utilizing a scotch yoke mechanism with slotted flanges and pins to enable angular rotation and vibration isolation, reducing complexity and weight.
The gimbal joint provides efficient angular movement, vibration isolation, and supports large axial and torsional loads, offering a lightweight and cost-effective alternative to conventional designs.
Smart Images
Figure 2025102721000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001]
[0001] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to gimbal joints for fluid supply applications.
Background Art
[0002]
[0002] Some fuel lines for supplying fuel to an aircraft engine include gimbal expansion joints to provide several degrees of flexion in consideration of pressure thrust loads. Gimbal expansion joints are designed to move angles in any plane. Conventionally, overly complex expansion joints such as those equipped with gimbal rings have been used in aircraft fuel lines, which may increase the weight and cost of the aircraft.
Summary of the Invention
[0003]
[0003] The present disclosure provides, in one aspect, a gimbal joint. The gimbal joint includes a first clevis having a first arm defining a slot, a second clevis having a second arm, the second arm being a curved surface that engages the first arm and having a curved surface that enables relative rotational movement between the first clevis and the second clevis, and a pin coupled to the second arm or integrally formed with the second arm and slidably received within the slot of the first arm to enable relative translational movement between the first clevis and the second clevis.
[0004]
[0004] In one aspect, in combination with any of the above or below exemplary gimbal joints, a first clevis has a third arm defining a slot, and a second clevis has a fourth arm having a curved surface that engages the third arm to enable relative rotational movement between the first clevis and the second clevis. The gimbal joint is coupled to the fourth arm or integrally formed with the fourth arm to enable relative translational movement between the first clevis and the second clevis, and further includes a second pin slidably received within the slot of the third arm.
[0005]
[0005] In one aspect, in combination with any of the above or below exemplary gimbal joints, a first arm and a second arm form a first paired slot, a third arm and a fourth arm form a second paired slot, and the first paired slot and the second paired slot are arranged to be radially opposed to each other with respect to the central axis of the gimbal joint.
[0006]
[0006] In one aspect, in combination with any of the above or below exemplary gimbal joints, the curved surface of the second arm is the radially outer surface of the second arm that engages the radially inner surface of the first arm.
[0007]
[0007] In one aspect, in combination with any of the above or below exemplary gimbal joints, the radially inner surface of the first arm is planar.
[0008]
[0008] In one aspect, in combination with any of the above or below exemplary gimbal joints, the curved surface of the second arm is the radially inner surface of the second arm that engages the radially outer surface of the first arm.
[0009]
[0009] In one aspect, in combination with any of the above or below exemplary gimbal joints, the second arm defines an opening in which a pin is received.
[0010]
[0010] In one aspect, in combination with any of the above or below exemplary gimbal joints, the first arm includes opposing tabs that define a recess in which the second arm is disposed, and the opposing tabs constrain the relative rotational movement between the first clevis and the second clevis within a predetermined range.
[0011]
[0011] In one aspect, in combination with any of the above or below exemplary gimbal joints, the first clevis has a first rim from which the first arm extends, the second clevis has a second rim from which the second arm extends, and the gimbal joint further includes a bellows flexibly coupled to the first rim and the second rim.
[0012]
[0012] In one aspect, in combination with any of the above or below exemplary gimbal joints, the curved surface of the second arm has a convex curvature with respect to the surface of the first arm that engages the curved surface.
[0013]
[0013] In one aspect, in combination with any of the above or below exemplary gimbal joints, the slot has a length and a width, and the length is at least twice the width.
[0014]
[0014] In one aspect, in combination with any of the above or below exemplary gimbal joints, the first arm has a first extension, a first flange is connected to the first extension, and the first extension angles the first arm radially outward with respect to the central axis of the gimbal joint and axially toward the second clevis.
[0015]
[0015] In one aspect, in combination with any of the above or below exemplary gimbal joints, the first flange defines a slot that has a longitudinal axis extending axially.
[0016]
[0016] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a gimbal joint. The gimbal joint is a first clevis having a first rim, a first arm, and a third arm, wherein the first arm and the third arm each extend from the first rim and each define a slot; a second clevis having a second rim, a second arm, and a fourth arm, wherein the second arm and the fourth arm each extend from the second rim and each have a curved surface that engages the first arm and the third arm of the first clevis, respectively, to enable relative rotational movement between the first clevis and the second clevis; a bellows coupling the first rim and the second rim; a first pin coupled to or integrally formed with the second arm and received within the slot of the first arm; and a second pin coupled to or integrally formed with the fourth arm and received within the slot of the third arm, wherein the first pin and the second pin are slidably received within their respective slots to enable relative translational movement between the first clevis and the second clevis.
[0017]
[0017] In one aspect, in combination with any of the above or below exemplary gimbal joints, the first arm has a first extension, a first flange is connected to the first extension, the first extension angles the first arm radially outwardly with respect to the central axis of the gimbal joint and axially towards the second clevis, the third arm has a third extension, a third flange is connected to the third extension, the third extension angles the third arm radially outwardly with respect to the central axis and axially towards the second clevis, and the first flange and the third flange each define one of the slots.
[0018]
[0018] In one aspect, in combination with any of the above or below exemplary gimbal joints, the second arm has a second extension, the second flange is connected to the second extension, and the second extension angles the second arm radially outward with respect to the central axis and axially toward the first clevis. The fourth arm has a fourth extension, the fourth flange is connected to the fourth extension, and the fourth extension angles the fourth arm radially outward with respect to the central axis and axially toward the first clevis. The second flange and the fourth flange each include one of the curved surfaces.
[0019]
[0019] In one aspect, in combination with any of the above or below exemplary gimbal joints, the first flange defines one of the slots, and the third flange defines one of the slots.
[0020]
[0020] In one aspect, in combination with any of the above or below exemplary gimbal joints, the first pin extends from the curved surface of the second arm, and the second pin extends from the curved surface of the fourth arm.
[0021]
[0021] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a supply line. The supply line includes a conduit for carrying fluid and a gimbal joint disposed along the conduit. The gimbal joint includes a first clevis having a first rim and a first arm extending from the first rim, the first rim being coupled to a first segment of the conduit, the first arm defining a slot; a second clevis having a second rim and a second arm extending from the second rim, the second rim being coupled to a second segment of the conduit, the second arm being a curved surface that engages the first arm and has a curved surface that enables relative rotational movement between the first clevis and the second clevis; a bellows coupling the first rim and the second rim; and a pin coupled to or integrally formed with the second arm and slidably received within the slot of the first arm to enable relative translational movement between the first clevis and the second clevis.
[0022]
[0022] In one aspect, in combination with any of the above or below exemplary gimbal joints, the supply line is an aircraft fuel line.
[0023]
[0023] To better understand the above-described features of the present disclosure, a more detailed description of the present disclosure than briefly summarized above can be made by referring to the exemplary aspects illustrated in several of the accompanying drawings.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0024]
Figure 1
[0024] A perspective view of a gimbal joint disposed along a supply line according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure.
Figure 2
[0025] It is an exploded view of the gimbal joint of FIG. 1.
Figure 3
Figure 4
[0026] A side view of the gimbal joint of FIG. 1, showing its translational motion.
Figure 5
[0027] A side sectional view of the gimbal joint of FIG. 1, showing its translational motion.
Figure 6
[0028] A side sectional view of the gimbal joint of FIG. 1, showing its rotational motion.
Figure 7
[0029] A perspective view of the gimbal joint of FIG. 1, showing its rotational motion.
Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
[0025]
[0030] Some fuel lines, such as fuel lines for supplying fuel to an aircraft engine, typically require the ability to insulate several degrees of bending and vibration. To meet such needs, typically, gimbal expansion joints are arranged along such fluid lines. The gimbal expansion joint is designed so that it can move angles in any plane and can also consider pressure thrust loads. However, conventionally, overly complex gimbal expansion joints have been used for such fuel lines.
[0026]
[0031] The present disclosure provides a gimbal joint that functions like a scotch yoke to provide angular movement in any plane and vibration isolation characteristics. In one aspect, the gimbal joint includes a pair of clevises arranged such that a pair of at least one slotted flange is provided to enable relative translational and rotational movement between the clevises. In particular, a pin is slidably received within a slot defined by one of the flanges to enable relative rotational movement between the clevises to form the slotted pair. Further, at least one of the flanges has a curved surface that engages the surface of the other flange. This facilitates relative rotational movement between the clevises. A sealing bellows can be clamped internally against each rim of the clevises. The ability of the first and second clevises to translate and rotate relative to each other enables angular rotation of the gimbal joint in any plane. The sliding action of the pin within the slot also provides vibration isolation characteristics in addition to translational movement. The rotational action facilitated by the curved surface provides rotational movement. The clevises can translate, rotate, or both translate and rotate relative to each other to provide a desired "flexure" along, for example, a fuel line. Advantageously, the scotch yoke gimbal joint of the present disclosure can reduce stress and complexity compared to conventional gimbal expansion joints. Such a gimbal joint can provide vibration isolation for a fuel line, along with the ability to support large axial and torsional loads. Further, the scotch yoke gimbal joint of the present disclosure can provide a lightweight and low-cost design compared to conventional gimbal expansion joints, particularly those that include gimbal rings.
[0027]
[0032] Multiple aspects of the invention of the present disclosure are disclosed herein in the context of a gimbal joint for a fuel line arranged to supply fuel to an aircraft engine, but multiple aspects of the invention are generally applicable to other fuel lines and other fluid supply applications, including fluid supply applications in industries different from the aviation industry.
[0028]
[0033] Next, referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, a gimbal joint 50 is shown. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the gimbal joint 50, and FIGS. 2 and 3 each show an exploded view of the gimbal joint 50. For reference, the gimbal joint 50 defines an axial direction A, a radial direction R, and a circumferential direction C. The gimbal joint 50 also defines a central axis CA. CA extends along the axial direction A. The circumferential direction C extends around the central axis CA.
[0029]
[0034] As shown, the gimbal joint 50 includes a first clevis 100, a second clevis 200, and a bellows 300 (the bellows 300 is shown in FIG. 1 but removed for illustrative purposes in FIGS. 2 and 3). The bellows 300 flexibly couples the first clevis 100 and the second clevis 200. The combination of the first clevis 100, the second clevis 200, and the bellows 300 enables the gimbal joint 50 to function like a Scotch yoke to provide angular rotation and vibration isolation characteristics, for example, along a fuel line for an aircraft engine. The first clevis 100 and the second clevis 200 can be formed of a metal material, a plastic material, or another suitable material.
[0030]
[0035] The bellows 300 is generally tubular and defines an open internal space that allows fluid to pass therethrough. The bellows 300 has a cylindrical shell of corrugated material. The corrugations define the outer and inner diameters of the bellows 300 and may enable angular rotation or flexure of the bellows 300. The corrugated material of the bellows 300 can be metal or any other suitable material. For example, the bellows 300 can be made of three 14-mil plies of a nickel-chromium superalloy such as Inconel® 718 or 625. Such a composition can provide the angles, pressure resistance, temperature resistance, and corrosion resistance required for the conveyance of a particular fluid under pressure.
[0031]
[0036] The first clevis 100 has a first rim 102, a first arm 104, and a third arm 106. The first rim 102 has an annular shape and is coupled to one end of the bellows 300. For example, one end of the bellows 300 can be clamped by the first rim 102. The first rim 102 can also be coupled to a first segment 52A of a conduit 52 (FIG. 1) arranged to carry a fluid such as fuel. The first and third arms 104, 106 each extend from the first rim 102 and each define slots 108, 110. The first and third arms 104, 106 are arranged to be radially opposed to each other with respect to the central axis CA of the gimbal joint 50, or in other words, are arranged 180 degrees (180°) from each other along the circumferential direction C. In some alternative embodiments, the first and third arms 104, 106 can be spaced apart greater than or less than 180 degrees (180°) along the circumferential direction C.
[0032]
[0037] The first arm 104 of the first clevis 100 has a first extension 112. The first extension 112 angles the first arm 104 radially outward with respect to the central axis CA and axially towards the second clevis 200. The first flange 114 is connected to the first extension 112 and forms the distal portion of the first arm 104. The first flange 114 of the first arm 104 defines the slot 108. The slot 108 has a length L1 extending along the axial direction A, a width W1 generally extending along the circumferential direction C, and a depth extending along the radial direction R. In some embodiments, the length L1 is at least twice the width W1. In a plurality of other embodiments, the length L1 is at least three times the width W1. In this regard, the longitudinal axis of the slot 108 is defined along the axial direction A. The width W1 of the slot 108 is sized to receive the diameter of a pin (e.g., the first pin 228).
[0033]
[0038] The first flange 114 has a first inner surface 116 and a first outer surface 118. The first inner surface 116 is radially inward of the first outer surface 118 with respect to the central axis CA. The first inner surface 116 is planar. The first flange 114 also includes opposing tabs 120, 122 that define a recess 124. An arm of the second clevis 200 (e.g., the second arm 204) is disposed within the recess 124. The opposing tabs 120, 122 constrain the relative rotational movement between the first clevis 100 and the second clevis 200 within a predetermined range. In some alternative embodiments, the first flange 114 does not include the opposing tabs 120, 122.
[0034]
[0039] The third arm 106 of the first clevis 100 is arranged in a manner similar to the first arm 104. Specifically, the third arm 106 has a third extension 132. The third extension 132 angles the third arm 106 radially outward with respect to the central axis CA and axially toward the second clevis 200. A third flange 134 is connected to the third extension 132 and forms the distal portion of the third arm 106. The third flange 134 of the third arm 106 defines a slot 110. The slot 110 has a length extending along the axial direction A, a width generally extending along the circumferential direction C, and a depth extending along the radial direction R. In some embodiments, the length is at least twice the width. In a plurality of other embodiments, the length is at least three times the width. In this regard, the longitudinal axis of the slot 110 is defined along the axial direction A. The width of the slot 110 is sized to receive the diameter of a pin (e.g., the second pin 232).
[0035]
[0040] The third flange 134 has a third inner surface 136 and a third outer surface 138. The third inner surface 136 is radially inward of the third outer surface 138 with respect to the central axis CA. The third inner surface 136 is planar. The third flange 134 also includes opposing tabs 140, 142 that define a recess 144. An arm of the second clevis 200 (e.g., the fourth arm 206) is disposed within the recess 144. The opposing tabs 140, 142 constrain the relative rotational movement between the first clevis 100 and the second clevis 200 within a predetermined range. In some alternative embodiments, the third flange 134 does not include the opposing tabs 140, 142.
[0036]
[0041] The second clevis 200 has a second rim 202, a second arm 204, and a fourth arm 206. The second and fourth arms 204, 206 each extend from the second rim 202. The second rim 202 has an annular shape similar to the first rim 102 and is coupled to an end of the bellows 300 opposite the end coupled to the first rim 102. The second rim 202 may also be coupled to a second segment 52B of the conduit 52. The second and fourth arms 204, 206 each extend from the second rim 202. The second and fourth arms 204, 206 are arranged to be radially opposed to each other with respect to the central axis CA of the gimbal joint 50, or in other words, are arranged 180 degrees (180°) from each other along the circumferential direction C. In some alternative embodiments, the second and fourth arms 204, 206 may be spaced apart from each other by more or less than 180 degrees (180°) along the circumferential direction C.
[0037]
[0042] The second arm 204 of the second clevis 200 has a second extension 208. The second extension 208 angles the second arm 204 radially outward with respect to the central axis CA and axially toward the first clevis 100. The second flange 210 is connected to the second extension 208 and forms the distal portion of the second arm 204. The second flange 210 of the second arm 204 has a second inner surface 212 and a second outer surface 214. The second inner surface 212 is radially inward of the second outer surface 214 with respect to the central axis CA. The second outer surface 214 is a curved surface 216 that engages the first arm 104 of the first clevis 100 (or more specifically, the first inner surface 116 of the first flange 114) to enable relative rotational movement between the first clevis 100 and the second clevis 200. The curved surface 216 of the second arm 204 has a convex curvature with respect to the engagement surface (e.g., the first inner surface 116) of the first arm 104 that engages the curved surface 216. The curved surface 216 may have, for example, a spherical shape.
[0038]
[0043] The fourth arm 206 of the second clevis 200 has a fourth extension 218. The fourth extension 218 angles the fourth arm 206 radially outward with respect to the central axis CA and axially toward the first clevis 100. The fourth flange 220 is connected to the fourth extension 218 and forms the distal portion of the fourth arm 206. The fourth flange 220 of the fourth arm 206 has a fourth inner surface 222 and a fourth outer surface 224. The fourth inner surface 222 is radially inward of the fourth outer surface 224 with respect to the central axis CA. The fourth outer surface 224 is a curved surface 226 that engages the third arm 106 of the first clevis 100 (or more specifically, the third inner surface 136 of the third flange 134) to enable relative rolling movement between the first clevis 100 and the second clevis 200. The curved surface 226 of the fourth arm 206 has a convex curvature with respect to the engagement surface (e.g., the third inner surface 136) of the third arm 106 that engages the curved surface 226. The curved surface 226 may have, for example, a spherical shape.
[0039]
[0044] Therefore, the second and fourth arms 204, 206 each have curved surfaces 216, 226 that engage with the first and third arms 104, 106 of the first clevis 100, respectively, to allow for relative rotational movement between the first clevis 100 and the second clevis 200.
[0040]
[0045] Furthermore, the first pin 228 is coupled to or integrally formed with the second arm 204 of the second clevis 200. In some embodiments, the first pin 228 can be integrally formed with the second flange 210 of the second arm 204 as, for example, a single monolithic component. In other embodiments, the first pin 228 can be coupled to the second arm 204. For example, the first pin 228 can be received within an opening 230 defined by the second flange 210. The first pin 228 can be, for example, press-fitted into the opening 230. As another example, the first pin 228 can be welded to the second flange 210 or otherwise attached. Additionally, the second pin 232 is coupled to the fourth arm 206 of the second clevis 200. In some embodiments, the second pin 232 can be integrally formed with the fourth flange 220 of the fourth arm 206 as, for example, a single monolithic component. In other embodiments, the second pin 232 can be coupled to the second arm 204. For example, the second pin 232 can be received within an opening 234 defined by the fourth flange 220. The second pin 232 can be, for example, press-fitted into the opening 234. As another example, the second pin 232 can be welded to the fourth flange 220 or otherwise attached. The first pin 228 extends from the curved surface 216 of the second arm 204, and the second pin 232 can extend from the curved surface 226 of the fourth arm 206. The first and second pins 228, 232 can extend from their respective curved surfaces 216, 226 in radially opposite directions (or opposite the central axis CA).
[0041]
[0046] The first pin 228 and the second pin 232 are slidably received within their respective slots 108, 110, and as a result, are slidable. In this regard, the first arm 104 and the second arm 204 form a first slotted pair, and the third arm 106 and the fourth arm 206 form a second slotted pair. The first and second slotted pairs are arranged to be radially opposed to each other with respect to the central axis CA of the gimbal joint 50. The sliding action of the first and second pins 228, 232 within their respective slots 108, 110 enables relative translational movement between the first clevis 100 and the second clevis 200. The relative translational movement between the first clevis 100 and the second clevis 200 advantageously provides vibration isolation characteristics to the gimbal joint 50. In particular, the sliding action of one clevis with respect to the other provides vibration damping. The vibration damping can, for example, reduce the propagation of vibrations along the fuel line in which the gimbal joint 50 is disposed.
[0042]
[0047] In addition to providing vibration isolation characteristics, the relative translational movement between the first clevis 100 and the second clevis 200 provided by the sliding action of the pins 228, 232 enables angular rotation of the gimbal joint 50, and thus, since the translational movement results in angular rotation, the term "scotch yoke gimbal joint" is used.
[0043]
[0048] Figures 4 and 5 are diagrams of the gimbal joint 50 that undergoes translational movement and, by extension, angular rotation. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the gimbal joint 50, and Figure 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the gimbal joint 50. As shown, the slot 108 defined by the first flange 114 has a proximal end 146 and a distal end 148, and the proximal end 146 is closer to the first rim 102 than the distal end 148. Similarly, the slot 110 defined by the third flange 134 has a proximal end 150 and a distal end 152, and the proximal end 150 is closer to the first rim 102 than the distal end 152. In Figures 4 and 5, the first pin 228 is sliding into the proximal end 146 of the slot 108, and the second pin 232 is sliding into the distal end 152 of the slot 110. Due to the offset state of the first and second pins 228, 232 within their respective slots 108, 110 in Figures 4 and 5, the first clevis 100 rotates angularly with respect to the second clevis 200. In particular, as shown in Figure 5, the sliding action of the first and second pins 228, 232 has resulted in an angular deflection of the first clevis 100 with respect to the second clevis 200. It is represented by the angle of angular deflection AD taken with respect to the central axis CA defined in the neutral state of the gimbal joint 50. The angular deflection of the first clevis 100 with respect to the second clevis 200 causes the material of the corrugated bellows 300 to contract or compress in the vicinity of the first pair of slotted members, and causes the material of the corrugated bellows 300 in the vicinity of the second pair of slotted members to elongate, enabling the gimbal joint 50 to "flex" or rotate angularly.
[0044]
[0049] Generally, the positions of the first and second pins 228, 232 within their respective slots 108, 110 can at least partially define the angle of angular deflection AD of the clevis with respect to the other of one clevis. The angle of angular deflection AD can also at least partially depend on the relative rotational movement between the first clevis 100 and the second clevis 200. Specifically, the first clevis 100 and the second clevis 200 can be rotated relative to each other. The relative rotational movement is facilitated by the curved surfaces 216, 226 of the second and fourth arms 204, 206. The convex profiles of the curved surfaces 216, 226 allow the second and fourth arms 204, 206 to engage the first and third arms 104, 106 while still being able to rotate within their respective recesses 124, 144 (FIG. 2).
[0045]
[0050] Referring now to FIG. 6, FIG. 6 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the gimbal joint 50. As shown, the fourth flange 220 is received within the recess 144 defined by the third flange 134, and the second pin 232 is slidably received within the slot 110. Also, the fourth outer surface 224 or the curved surface 226 of the fourth flange 220 engages the third inner surface 136 of the third flange 134. Since the curved surface 226 has a convex profile with respect to the third inner surface 136 (which is planar), the curved surface 226 engages the third inner surface 136 at a point contact (in the case of a spherical curvature) or with a minimum surface area, which minimizes the friction between them. This allows the fourth flange 220 to pivot or rotate within the recess 144, for example, about the axis of rotation RA. The axis of rotation RA can have various directions due to the sliding capabilities of the first and second clevises 100, 200. The opposing tabs 140, 142 (only tab 142 is shown in FIG. 6, see FIG. 2) limit the relative rotational movement between the third flange 134 and the fourth flange 220.
[0046]
[0051] As shown in FIG. 7, which is a perspective view of the gimbal joint 50, the second flange 210 can pivot or rotate within the recess 124 defined by the first flange 114 in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the fourth flange 220 that pivots or rotates within the recess 144 of the third flange 134. The opposing tabs 120, 122 can constrain the relative rotational movement between the first clevis 114 and the second clevis 210 within a predetermined range. In FIG. 7, the second clevis 200 is shown being rotated about the axis of rotation RA towards the viewer of FIG. 7 with respect to the first clevis 100.
[0047]
[0052] In summary, the ability of the first and second clevises 100, 200 to translate and rotate relative to each other enables angular movement or rotation of the gimbal joint 50 in any plane (or over 360° of rotation). Some of the angular movements of the gimbal joint 50 can be achieved by the relative translational movement of the first and second clevises 100, 200, some by the relative rotational movement, and some by a combination of relative translational and rotational movement. The sliding action of the first and second pins 228, 232 within their respective slots 108, 110 provides vibration isolation characteristics as well as translational movement. The rotational action facilitated by the curved surfaces 216, 226 provides rotational movement. The first and second clevises 100, 200 can be translated, rotated, or translated and rotated relative to each other, for example, to provide a desired "flex" along the supply line.
[0048]
[0053] In some alternative embodiments, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, instead of the first and third flanges 114, 134 being disposed radially outside their respective second and fourth flanges 210, 220, the first and third flanges 114, 134 may be disposed radially inside their respective second and fourth flanges 210, 220. In such alternative embodiments, the radially inner surfaces 210, 220 of the second and fourth flanges are curved surfaces that respectively engage the first and third outer surfaces 118, 138 of the first and third flanges. In such embodiments, the first and second pins 228, 232 may extend radially inwardly from the curved surface toward the central axis CA.
[0049]
[0054] In some further alternative embodiments, instead of a hard stop or opposing tabs, the rotational movement of the first and second clevises 100, 200 relative to each other may be restricted by the spherical profiles of the first arm 104 and the third arm 106. For example, the inner surface of the first flange 114 may have a spherical concave profile with respect to the spherical convex profile of the curved surface 216. In this regard, the spherical convex profile of the second flange 210 may rotate with respect to the spherical concave profile of the first flange 114. Similarly, the inner surface of the third flange 134 may have a spherical concave profile with respect to the spherical convex profile of the curved surface 226. In this regard, the spherical convex profile of the fourth flange 220 may rotate with respect to the spherical concave profile of the third flange 134. In this regard, the curved surfaces 216, 226 of the second and fourth arms 204, 206 may engage the respective spherical profiles of the first and third arms 104, 106 to constrain the rotational movement between the first clevis 100 and the second clevis 200 within a predetermined range.
[0050]
[0055] Furthermore, the present disclosure includes the following embodiments. E1. A gimbal joint, comprising a first clevis having a first arm defining a slot, a second clevis having a second arm, wherein the second arm is a curved surface engaging the first arm and has a curved surface enabling relative rotational movement between the first clevis and the second clevis, and a pin coupled to the second arm or integrally formed with the second arm and slidably received in the slot of the first arm to enable relative translational movement between the first clevis and the second clevis. E2. The first clevis has a third arm defining a slot, the second clevis has a fourth arm having a curved surface engaging the third arm to enable relative rotational movement between the first clevis and the second clevis, and the gimbal joint further comprises a second pin coupled to the fourth arm or integrally formed with the fourth arm and slidably received in the slot of the third arm to enable relative translational movement between the first clevis and the second clevis, the gimbal joint according to E1. E3. The first arm and the second arm form a first pair with a slot, the third arm and the fourth arm form a second pair with a slot, and the first pair with a slot and the second pair with a slot are arranged to be radially opposed to each other with respect to the central axis of the gimbal joint, the gimbal joint according to E2. E4. The curved surface of the second arm is the radially outer surface of the second arm engaging the radially inner surface of the first arm, the gimbal joint according to any one of E1 to E3. E5. The radially inner surface of the first arm is a plane, the gimbal joint according to E4. E6. The curved surface of the second arm is the radially inner surface of the second arm that engages with the radially outer surface of the first arm, the gimbal joint according to any one of E1 to E5. E7. The second arm defines an opening in which the pin is received, the gimbal joint according to any one of E1 to E6. E8. The first arm includes opposing tabs that define a recess in which the second arm is disposed, the opposing tabs restricting the relative rotational movement between the first clevis and the second clevis within a predetermined range, the gimbal joint according to any one of E1 to E7. E9. The first clevis has a first rim from which the first arm extends, the second clevis has a second rim from which the second arm extends, and the gimbal joint further includes a bellows flexibly coupled to the first rim and the second rim, the gimbal joint according to any one of E1 to E8. E10. The curved surface of the second arm has a convex curvature with respect to the surface of the first arm that engages with the curved surface, the gimbal joint according to any one of E1 to E9. E11. The slot has a length and a width, and the length is at least twice the width, the gimbal joint according to any one of E1 to E10. E12. The first arm has a first extension, a first flange is connected to the first extension, and the first extension angles the first arm radially outward with respect to the central axis of the gimbal joint and axially toward the second clevis, the gimbal joint according to any one of E1 to E11. E13. The first flange defines the slot, and the slot has a longitudinal axis extending axially, the gimbal joint according to E12. E14. A gimbal joint, comprising a first clevis having a first rim, a first arm, and a third arm, wherein the first arm and the third arm each extend from the first rim and each define a slot; a second clevis having a second rim, a second arm, and a fourth arm, wherein the second arm and the fourth arm each extend from the second rim and each have a curved surface that engages with the first arm and the third arm of the first clevis, respectively, to enable relative rotational movement between the first clevis and the second clevis; a bellows connecting the first rim and the second rim; a first pin coupled to the second arm or integrally formed with the second arm and received in the slot of the first arm; and a second pin coupled to the fourth arm or integrally formed with the fourth arm and received in the slot of the third arm, wherein the first pin and the second pin are slidably received in their respective slots to enable relative translational movement between the first clevis and the second clevis. E15. The first arm has a first extension, and a first flange is connected to the first extension. The first extension angles the first arm radially outward with respect to the central axis of the gimbal joint and axially toward the second clevis. The third arm has a third extension, and a third flange is connected to the third extension. The third extension angles the third arm radially outward with respect to the central axis and axially toward the second clevis. The first flange and the third flange each define one of the slots. The gimbal joint according to E14. E16. The second arm has a second extension, a second flange being connected to the second extension, the second extension angling the second arm radially outwardly with respect to the central axis and axially towards the first clevis, the fourth arm having a fourth extension, a fourth flange being connected to the fourth extension, the fourth extension angling the fourth arm radially outwardly with respect to the central axis and axially towards the first clevis, the second flange and the fourth flange each including one of the curved surfaces, a gimbal joint according to E15. E17. The first flange defines one of the slots, the third flange defining one of the slots, a gimbal joint according to E15 or E16. E18. The first pin extends from the curved surface of the second arm, the second pin extending from the curved surface of the fourth arm, a gimbal joint according to any one of E14 to E16. E19. A supply line comprising a conduit for carrying a fluid and a gimbal joint disposed along the conduit, the gimbal joint being a first clevis having a first rim and a first arm extending from the first rim, the first rim being coupled to a first segment of the conduit, the first arm defining a slot, a second clevis having a second rim and a second arm extending from the second rim, the second rim being coupled to a second segment of the conduit, the second arm being a curved surface that engages the first arm and has a curved surface that enables relative rotational movement between the first clevis and the second clevis, a bellows coupling the first rim and the second rim, and a pin coupled to or integrally formed with the second arm and slidably received within the slot of the first arm to enable relative translational movement between the first clevis and the second clevis. E20. The supply line according to E19, wherein the supply line is an aircraft fuel line.
[0051]
[0056] In the present disclosure, various aspects are referred to. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific described aspects. Instead, any combination of the following features and elements is envisioned for implementing and practicing the teachings provided herein, regardless of whether they are related to various aspects. Further, the terms "first", "second", "third", and "fourth" are applied in this specification to various features to facilitate the identification and distinction of the features. Such terms are not intended to imply the importance of the recited features. Further, when an element of an aspect is described in the form of "at least one of A and B", it should be understood that aspects including only element A, only element B, and both elements A and B are each envisioned. Further, while some aspects may achieve other potential solutions and / or advantages over the prior art, whether a particular advantage is achieved by a given aspect does not limit the present disclosure. Accordingly, the aspects, features, and advantages disclosed herein are merely illustrative and are not considered to be elements of the appended claims or to limit the appended claims, unless specified in one or more of the claims.
[0052]
[0057] The above description is directed to aspects of the present disclosure, but other aspects and further aspects of the present disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope of the present disclosure, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the following claims.
Claims
1. A gimbal joint (50) comprising: a first clevis (100) having a first arm (104) defining a slot (108); a second clevis (200) having a second arm (204), wherein the second arm (204) is a curved surface (216) that engages the first arm (104) and has a curved surface (216) that enables relative rotational movement between the first clevis (100) and the second clevis (200), and a pin (228) coupled to the second arm (204) or integrally formed with the second arm (204) and slidably received within the slot (108) of the first arm (104) to enable relative translational movement between the first clevis (100) and the second clevis (200), the gimbal joint (50).
2. The first clevis (100) has a third arm (106) defining a slot (110), the second clevis (200) has a fourth arm (206) having a curved surface that engages the third arm (106) to enable relative rotational movement between the first clevis (100) and the second clevis (200), and the gimbal joint (50) further comprises a second pin (232) coupled to the fourth arm (206) or integrally formed with the fourth arm (206) and slidably received within the slot (110) of the third arm (106) to enable relative translational movement between the first clevis (100) and the second clevis (200), the gimbal joint (50) according to claim 1.
3. The first arm (104) and the second arm (204) form a first slotted pair, the third arm (106) and the fourth arm (206) form a second slotted pair, and the first slotted pair and the second slotted pair are arranged to be radially opposed to each other with respect to the central axis (CA) of the gimbal joint (50), the gimbal joint (50) according to claim 2.
4. The curved surface (216) of the second arm (204) is a radially outer surface (214) of the second arm (204) that engages a radially inner surface (116) of the first arm (104), the gimbal joint (50) according to claim 1.
5. The radially inner surface (214) of the first arm (104) is planar, the gimbal joint (50) according to claim 4.
6. The curved surface (216) of the second arm (204) is a radially inner surface (212) of the second arm (204) that engages a radially outer surface (118) of the first arm (104), the gimbal joint (50) according to claim 1.
7. The second arm (204) defines an opening (230) in which the pin (228) is received, the gimbal joint (50) according to claim 1.
8. The first arm (104) includes opposing tabs (120, 122) that define a recess (124) in which the second arm (204) is disposed, the opposing tabs (120, 122) restricting the relative rotational movement between the first clevis (100) and the second clevis (200) to a predetermined range, the gimbal joint (50) according to claim 1.
9. The first clevis (100) has a first rim (102) from which the first arm (104) extends, the second clevis (200) has a second rim (202) from which the second arm (204) extends, and the gimbal joint (50) further comprises a bellows (300) flexibly coupled to the first rim (102) and the second rim (202), the gimbal joint (50) according to claim 1.
10. The curved surface (216) of the second arm (204) has a convex curvature with respect to the surface (116) of the first arm (104) that engages the curved surface (216), the gimbal joint (50) according to claim 1.
11. The slot (108) has a length (L1) and a width (W1), and the length (L1) is at least twice the width (W1), the gimbal joint (50) according to claim 1.
12. The first arm (104) has a first extension (112), a first flange (114) is connected to the first extension (112), and the first extension (112) angles the first arm (104) radially outward with respect to the central axis (CA) of the gimbal joint (50) and axially towards the second clevis (200). The gimbal joint (50) according to claim 1.
13. The first flange (114) defines the slot (108), and the slot (108) has a longitudinal axis extending axially. The gimbal joint (50) according to claim 12.
14. A gimbal joint (50), A first clevis (100) having a first rim (102), a first arm (104), and a third arm (106), wherein the first arm (104) and the third arm (106) each extend from the first rim (102) and each define a slot (108, 110). The first clevis (100). A second clevis (200) having a second rim (202), a second arm (204), and a fourth arm (206), wherein the second arm (204) and the fourth arm (206) each extend from the second rim (202) and each have a curved surface (216, 226) that engages with the first arm (104) and the third arm (106) of the first clevis (100), respectively, to enable relative rotational movement between the first clevis (100) and the second clevis (200). The second clevis (200). A bellows (300) connecting the first rim (102) and the second rim (202), A first pin (228) coupled to the second arm (204) or integrally formed with the second arm (204) and received within the slot (108) of the first arm (104), and A second pin (232) coupled to the fourth arm (206) or integrally formed with the fourth arm (206) and received within the slot (110) of the third arm (106). The first pin (228) and the second pin (232) are received slidably within their respective slots (108, 110) of the gimbal joint (50) to enable relative translational movement between the first clevis (100) and the second clevis (200).
15. The first arm (104) has a first extension (112), a first flange (114) is connected to the first extension (112), the first extension (112) angles the first arm (104) radially outwardly with respect to the central axis (CA) of the gimbal joint (50) and axially towards the second clevis (200), the third arm (106) has a third extension (132), a third flange (134) is connected to the third extension (132), the third extension (132) angles the third arm (106) radially outwardly with respect to the central axis (CA) and axially towards the second clevis (200), the first flange (114) and the third flange (134) each define one of the slots (108, 110), the gimbal joint (50) according to claim 14.
16. The second arm (204) has a second extension (208), a second flange (210) is connected to the second extension (208), the second extension (208) angles the second arm (204) radially outwardly with respect to the central axis (CA) and axially towards the first clevis (100), the fourth arm (206) has a fourth extension (218), a fourth flange (220) is connected to the fourth extension (218), the fourth extension (218) angles the fourth arm (206) radially outwardly with respect to the central axis (CA) and axially towards the first clevis (100), the second flange (210) and the fourth flange (220) each include one of the curved surfaces (216, 226), the gimbal joint (50) according to claim 15.
17. The first flange (114) defines one of the slots (108, 110), and the third flange (134) defines one of the slots (108, 110), the gimbal joint (50) according to claim 15.
18. The first pin (228) extends from the curved surface (216) of the second arm (204), and the second pin (232) extends from the curved surface (226) of the fourth arm (206), the gimbal joint (50) according to claim 14.
19. A conduit (52) for carrying fluid, and A supply line comprising a gimbal joint (50) arranged along the conduit (52), wherein the gimbal joint (50) A first clevis (100) having a first rim (102) and a first arm (104) extending from the first rim (102), wherein the first rim (102) is coupled to a first segment (52A) of the conduit (52), and the first arm (104) defines a slot (108), the first clevis (100). A second clevis (200) having a second rim (202) and a second arm (204) extending from the second rim (202), wherein the second rim (202) is coupled to a second segment (52B) of the conduit (52), and the second arm (204) is a curved surface (216) that engages the first arm (104), and has a curved surface (216) that allows relative rotational movement between the first clevis (100) and the second clevis (200), the second clevis (200). A bellows (300) connecting the first rim (102) and the second rim (202), and A pin (228) coupled to the second arm (204) or integrally formed with the second arm (204), and is slidably received in the slot (108) of the first arm (104) to allow relative translational movement between the first clevis (100) and the second clevis (200), a supply line comprising the pin (228).
20. The supply line according to claim 19, wherein the supply line is a fuel line for an aircraft.