Conduit Coupling Assembly With Retention Strap for Leak Integrity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coupling assemblies for conduits fail to maintain integrity and prevent leaks when subjected to loads, particularly in piping systems used for fluid transport in aircraft, where the joint between conduits is susceptible to leakage.

Innovation Solution

A coupling assembly comprising inner and outer couplings with a retention strap positioned between them, where the retention strap is designed to extend around the junction and is initially spaced away from the load, but can absorb the load when the inner coupling fails, maintaining the integrity of the outer coupling to prevent leaks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a coupling assembly is used to connect conduits, then the conduits are secured together to prevent leaks, but the coupling assembly fails to maintain integrity when the coupling no longer reacts to applied load

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleak preventionVSAvoidcoupling integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The retention strap is pre-installed within the gap between the inner and outer couplings, positioned to automatically engage and support the load if the inner coupling fails. This beforehand preparation ensures that when latent failure occurs, the retention strap is already in place to prevent catastrophic leakage, thus resolving the contradiction between initial leak prevention and long-term integrity maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The retention strap acts as an intermediary element between the inner and outer couplings. When the inner coupling fails to maintain its reaction to load, the retention strap mediates by transferring and supporting the load, preventing complete system failure. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing a backup support structure that activates upon inner coupling failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If the retention strap is positioned close to the inner coupling to support conduits, then structural support is improved, but the retention strap may interfere with the inner coupling's ability to secure the conduits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidcoupling operation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The retention strap is nested within the annular gap between the inner and outer couplings, creating a concentric arrangement. This nesting allows the retention strap to be positioned close enough to provide structural support while maintaining sufficient clearance to avoid interfering with the inner coupling's securing function. The nested configuration optimizes both strength and ease of operation simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS11519538B2Coupling assembly to connect first and second conduits

Publication Date: 2022.12.06 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A coupling assembly that connects first and second conduits and prevents a fluid from leaking from a junction formed between the first and second conduits. The coupling assembly includes an inner coupling and an outer coupling that extends around and connects the first and second conduits. A retention strap extends around the first and second conduits and is positioned between the inner and outer coupling.