Double Hinge Flex Joint Axial Separation Reduces Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional joints for connecting fluid ducts are bulky, heavy, and inefficient due to coplanar hinge axes, which restrict flexibility and increase weight, making them unsuitable for applications like aircraft air ducts where space and weight are critical.
Innovation Solution
A double hinge joint design with axially separated hinge axes, featuring a tube seal with bubble portions and adapters connected by a cover with pins, allowing for reduced diameter and length while maintaining flexibility through perpendicular or parallel hinge axis configurations, and incorporating bearing sleeves to reduce wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If coplanar hinge axes are used in conventional joints, then the joint structure is simple to manufacture, but the joint becomes bulky, heavy, and less flexible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from coplanar hinge axes to axially separated hinge axes, moving the hinge axes from a two-dimensional coplanar arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration where they are separated along the axial direction. This dimensional change allows the joint to achieve greater flexibility and reduced weight while maintaining structural integrity and manufacturability
2Device complexity
If coplanar hinge axes are used in conventional joints, then the joint structure is simple, but the joint diameter and length increase making it bulky
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the hinge axes axially rather than arranging them coplanarly, the joint components can be compacted in the radial direction, significantly reducing the overall joint diameter and length while maintaining the necessary structural complexity for proper functionality
3Ease of manufacture
If coplanar hinge axes are used in conventional joints, then the joint is easier to manufacture, but flexibility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The axial separation of hinge axes creates additional rotational freedom in three-dimensional space, enabling the joint to accommodate angular misalignments and movements that coplanar arrangements cannot, thereby significantly improving flexibility while remaining manufacturable
Solution Approach 2:
The joint design incorporates dynamic capabilities by allowing the tube adapters to rotate relative to each other through the axially separated hinge axes, enabling the joint to adapt to varying operational conditions and maintain flexibility throughout its service life
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid conduit joint includes a tube seal having a first bubble portion and a second bubble portion; a first tube adapter (40a); a second, tube adapter (40b); and a cover (50). The tube seal further includes a first hinge (60) and a second hinge (60). The first hinge (60) connects the first tube adapter (40a) to the cover (50), the first hinge (60) generally corresponding to the first bubble portion; the second hinge (60) connects the second tube adapter (40b) to the cover (50), the second hinge (60) generally corresponding to the second bubble portion; and the first hinge (60) and the second hinge (60) are axially spaced from each other.