Conduit-coupling adaptor for coupling fluid conduits of disparate diameters
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling adaptors for vacuum hoses of disparate diameters require multiple adapters to facilitate coupling, leading to a cumbersome and inefficient system.
Innovation Solution
A self-supporting conduit-coupling adaptor that can flex and return to its default configuration, allowing for fluid-tight and frictional engagement with conduits of various diameters, fabricated from materials like rubber or plastic, with varying sleeve diameters to accommodate different sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple coupling adapters are used to facilitate coupling of hoses with disparate diameters, then the ability to couple different hose-size combinations is improved, but the device complexity and number of components required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple hose diameters through a single component. The first interface is configured to receive various hose sizes while the second interface provides a standardized coupling mechanism, eliminating the need for multiple specialized adapters for different hose-size combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter structure incorporates nested interfaces where the first interface can accommodate hoses of varying diameters within its receiving structure. The design allows smaller hoses to be received within the same interface that can also accommodate larger hoses, creating a nested capability that reduces the total number of adapters needed.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid coupling adapter is used, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to achieve fluid-tight coupling and accommodate manufacturing tolerances deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter incorporates flexible elements such as the skirt portion that can deform elastically to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and misalignments. This flexibility allows the rigid main body to maintain structural stability while the flexible skirt ensures reliable fluid-tight coupling by conforming to the mating hose interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter design allows for parameter changes in the flexible portions, particularly the skirt's ability to change shape and position. This enables the rigid structural components to remain stable while the flexible parameters adapt to ensure proper sealing and coupling, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and sealing reliability.
3Ease of operation
If the adapter is designed to be flexible and distortable, then durability and ease of coupling are improved, but the structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is segmented into distinct functional zones: a rigid central body that maintains structural stability and identity, and flexible peripheral portions (such as the skirt) that provide ease of coupling. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its optimized function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter incorporates dynamic characteristics where the flexible skirt can distort and deform during the coupling process to facilitate easy connection, then returns to its original configuration to maintain structural stability during operation. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between flexibility for ease of coupling and rigidity for structural stability.
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 adaptable design reduces the number of coupling adapters needed, enhancing durability and ensuring secure connections between hoses of different sizes.
Implementation Method 1
the adaptor can be flexed to deviate from its predefined configuration when subjected to an applied distorting force, and exhibits a restorative 'memory' property such that, when the applied distorting force is removed, the adaptor returns to its predefined (default) configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A conduit-coupling adaptor configured for mutually joining conduits of disparate diameters includes a central conduit with interior and exterior surfaces extending longitudinally between central-conduit first and second ends. The central-conduit first and second ends define, respectively, first-end and second-end coupling sleeves that extend longitudinally in opposite directions and terminate at, respectively, first and second openings. The coupling sleeves can be implemented, alternatively, as male or female coupling members relative to other conduits. A first-end skirt includes a skirt wall concentrically disposed about at least a lengthwise portion of the central-conduit first end. The skirt wall has skirt-wall inside and outside surfaces that longitudinally co-extend with at least a portion of the first-end coupling sleeve and are joined to the central-conduit wall by a shoulder. The skirt-wall inside surface defines a socket that is configured as a female connector for insertably receiving a male coupling member of another conduit.