Carbon Fiber Tubing Coupler for Secure Flow-Through Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current coupling devices for carbon fiber tubing do not account for fluid flow, making it difficult to create customized parts without retarding or disrupting the flow of liquids, air, or gases.
Innovation Solution
A tubing coupler with grooved engagement ends and a grooveless stock body portion that securely joins carbon fiber tubing pieces without disrupting fluid flow, featuring tapered and beveled designs to minimize fluid disturbance and enhance adhesive bonding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If structural couplers are used to join carbon fiber tubing, then the tubing pieces can be securely connected, but the flow of liquid, air, or gas through the customized part is retarded or disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is divided into distinct functional zones: a grooveless stock body portion that maintains smooth fluid flow, and grooved engagement ends that provide mechanical locking with the tubing. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the coupler have different surface characteristics tailored to their specific functions. The stock body portion has a smooth surface for fluid flow, while the engagement ends have grooves for mechanical attachment. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between secure connection and uninterrupted flow.
2Strength
If grooves are added to the coupler body for structural engagement, then the coupling strength is improved, but the fluid flow through the coupler is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler body is segmented into a grooveless stock body portion and grooved engagement ends. The grooves are confined to the engagement ends only, allowing strong mechanical coupling without interrupting the smooth bore of the stock body portion where fluid flows.
Solution Approach 2:
The grooves are extracted and placed only at the engagement ends of the coupler, separating the coupling function from the fluid transport function. This extraction allows the main body to remain grooveless and maintain optimal fluid flow characteristics.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard coupling devices are used for carbon fiber tubing, then manufacturing is simplified, but customization of part geometry and fluid flow paths is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler design provides universal engagement ends that can attach to various tubing configurations while the stock body portion can be customized into different geometries (elbows, tees, reducers). This multi-functionality allows both ease of manufacture through standardized coupling mechanisms and adaptability for customized part geometry and fluid flow paths.
Data Source
AI summary
A tubing coupler. The coupler includes a tubular body and a a stock body portion that is grooveless. The tubing coupler also includes a first engagement end with a first set of grooves disposed thereon to engage with an inside portion of a first piece of tubing. A method of making a customized part with the tubing coupler. The method includes securing at least a portion of the tubing coupler inside a first piece of carbon fiber tubing.