Antistatic Fluid Line Assembly With Conductive Charge Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid lines used to transport flammable fluids face challenges in preventing the accumulation of electrical charge, which can lead to electrostatic discharge and potential hazards.
Innovation Solution
A fluid line assembly with conductive end pieces connected by an electrical conductor along the line, featuring a non-conductive inner and outer surface with grooves for the conductor, optionally embedded reinforcement members, and exposed conductors at ends, to facilitate charge exchange and prevent charge accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the fluid line has non-conductive inner and outer surfaces, then the fluid line is suitable for transporting flammable fluids, but electrical charge accumulates along the fluid line
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electrical conductor as an intermediary element that runs through the fluid line assembly. This conductor is positioned between the non-conductive fluid line and the conductive end pieces, creating a dedicated pathway for charge exchange. The conductor acts as a mediator that enables electrical connectivity without compromising the non-conductive properties of the fluid line itself, thus resolving the contradiction between safety and charge accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid line assembly combines multiple materials with different electrical properties: the non-conductive fluid line material (for safety), conductive end pieces (for connection), and an electrical conductor (for charge dissipation). This composite structure allows each material to perform its specific function - the non-conductive line prevents static generation, while the conductive elements provide charge exchange pathways, collectively solving the contradiction.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If electrical conductors are added to prevent charge accumulation, then charge dissipation is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical conductor serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides a pathway for charge exchange, structurally connects the end pieces, and can be integrated into the fluid line assembly during manufacturing. By making the conductor multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving charge dissipation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the electrical conductor with the fluid line assembly structure. The conductor is positioned within grooves of the fluid line and connected to end pieces, creating an integrated assembly rather than separate add-on components. This merging approach consolidates multiple elements into a unified structure, minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively prevents electrostatic charge accumulation, ensuring safety in environments with flammable fluids by enabling charge dissipation through conductive connections.
Implementation Method 1
The end pieces are connected to each other by at least one electrical conductor extending along the fluid line to create an electrical connection between the end pieces
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid line assembly includes a fluid line having an electrically non-conductive outer surface, a first end piece coupled to a first end of the fluid line, and a second end piece coupled to a second end of the fluid line. The first end piece is conductive, and an electrical conductor connects the first and second end pieces. The electrical conductor is configured to mitigate the accumulation of static charge along the fluid line assembly.