Ball-and-Socket Tube Coupling for Thermal Expansion Flexibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tube coupling technologies often require welding or brazing, which can lead to stress concentration, repair downtime, and environmental concerns, while also failing to accommodate thermal expansion and flexibility in applications like aircraft and engine systems.

Innovation Solution

A weld-free tube coupling system utilizing a ball and socket joint with a compressive ring, allowing for relative angular and axial movement, and incorporating shape memory alloys for a permanent, flexible connection that adapts to thermal changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If welding or brazing is used to connect tubes, then strong connections are achieved, but stress concentration and repair downtime occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidstress concentration

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling device is divided into separate components: an outer coupling member and an inner coupling member that can be independently assembled. This segmentation eliminates the need for welding while maintaining connection strength through mechanical interference and elastic compression

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic compression parameter is utilized by designing the outer coupling member to be elastically compressible. When compressed, it creates strong frictional forces and mechanical interference with the inner coupling member, achieving strong connections without welding-induced stress concentration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of stationary object

If welding or brazing is used to connect tubes, then permanent connections are achieved, but environmental concerns and repair downtime arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection permanenceVSAvoidenvironmental impact

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the thermal-mechanical welding or brazing process with a purely mechanical compression system. The elastic outer coupling member mechanically compresses the inner coupling member, creating a permanent connection without harmful thermal processes or environmental contaminants

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling device is designed as a replaceable mechanical component that can be easily installed and removed without specialized welding equipment. If needed, the entire coupling assembly can be replaced quickly without environmental harm or complex repair procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Stability of the object's composition

If rigid tube connections are used, then structural stability is achieved, but thermal expansion accommodation and flexibility are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidthermal expansion accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The outer coupling member is designed with elastic properties, making it a dynamic component that can deform and adapt. This elasticity allows the coupling to dynamically adjust to thermal expansion and contraction of the connected tubes while maintaining structural stability through continuous elastic compression

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent explicitly accounts for thermal expansion by designing the elastic outer coupling member to accommodate dimensional changes in the inner coupling member and connected tubes. The elastic material expands and contracts with temperature changes, maintaining connection stability without rigid constraints

Inventive Principle:

Principle #37Thermal expansion

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 provides a durable, leak-proof, and environmentally friendly connection that reduces maintenance needs, accommodates thermal expansion, and minimizes pressure loss, suitable for high-temperature applications without the need for welding or brazing.

Implementation Method 1

a compressive ring configured to elastically compress the outer shroud onto the inner shroud

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The ball portion and the socket portion form a ball and socket joint, the ball and socket joint configured to allow relative angular movement and relative axial movement between the inner shroud and the outer shroud

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical movement:

Data Source

PatentUS11802640B2Tube coupling

Publication Date: 2023.10.31 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO

AI summary

A tube coupling for coupling a first tube and a second tube. The tube coupling includes an inner shroud including a ball portion and an outer shroud including a socket portion. The socket portion receives the ball portion. The tube coupling includes a compressive ring configured to elastically compress the outer shroud onto the inner shroud. The ball portion and the socket portion form a ball and socket joint. The ball and socket joint allows relative angular movement and relative axial movement between the inner shroud and the outer shroud.