Non-Metallic Conductive Gasket Coupler for Static Charge Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid couplers used in aircraft and vehicles are heavy, complex, and require multiple components to manage electrostatic charges, which can lead to electrical discharges in fuel tubes due to their metallic construction.
Innovation Solution
A coupler design featuring non-metallic conductive gaskets and annular grooves in coupler halves that provide a conductivity path between fluid conveying members, reducing weight and component count while efficiently dissipating electrostatic charges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metallic components are used in couplers to meet electrical conductivity requirements, then electrical conductivity is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by integrating non-metallic conductive gaskets (combining rubber or elastomer with conductive fillers like carbon black, graphite, or metal particles) into the coupler assembly. This composite approach provides the necessary electrical conductivity path while significantly reducing the overall weight compared to traditional all-metallic coupler designs.
2Reliability
If traditional metallic couplers are used, then electrical conductivity is maintained, but device complexity increases due to multiple components needed for charge management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the gasket component. The conductive gasket simultaneously provides sealing between mating surfaces and establishes the electrical conductivity path for charge transfer. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate bonding jumpers or electrical connectors, reducing component count and simplifying the overall coupler assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive gasket serves multiple functions: it acts as a sealing element to prevent fluid leakage, provides an electrical conductivity path for electrostatic charge dissipation, and maintains mechanical contact between coupler halves. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed in the system.
3Weight of moving object
If non-metallic conductive gaskets are used, then weight is reduced and component count decreases, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates conductive fillers (such as carbon black, graphite, or metal particles) locally within specific regions of the gasket material where electrical conductivity is needed. This localized enhancement of conductivity properties allows the gasket to achieve the necessary electrical performance without requiring uniform conductivity throughout the entire gasket, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements.
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 reduces weight and complexity while maintaining performance by using non-metallic conductive gaskets to create a conductivity path between fluid conveying members, effectively managing electrostatic charges and preventing electrical discharges.
Implementation Method 1
the conductive gasket provides a portion of a conductivity path from a first end of the coupler to a second end of the coupler
Data Source
AI summary
A coupler for connecting a first fluid conveying member and a second fluid conveying member includes a first coupler half, a second coupler half, and a conductive gasket. In embodiments, at least one of the first coupler half and the second coupler half include an annular groove configured to receive at least a portion of the conductive gasket; the conductive gasket comprises non-metallic material, the first coupler half and the second coupler half are configured to connect and circumferentially surround portions of said first and second fluid conveying members, and the conductive gasket provides a portion of a conductivity path from a first end of the coupler to a second end of the coupler, and may be part of a conductivity path from a first fluid conveying member to a second fluid conveying member. Embodiments of a non-metallic conductive gasket and methods of making a coupler assembly are also disclosed.