Double-Walled Hose Coupling With Axially Offset Dual Conduits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing couplings for double-walled tubes or hoses are often cumbersome to attach, expensive, and have limited durability, making them inefficient for use in various fluid transfer applications.
Innovation Solution
A coupling design for double-walled tubes or hoses featuring a four-sleeve configuration with axial displacement between inner and outer fluid conduits, allowing for easier mounting and increased versatility, along with features like anti-kink protection and latching teeth arrangements for enhanced stability and fluid tightness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional couplings are used for double-walled tubes or hoses, then fluid connection is achieved, but the attachment process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is divided into four separate sleeves (first inner sleeve, second sleeve, third sleeve, fourth outer sleeve) that can be assembled in a modular fashion. This segmentation allows each sleeve to be independently positioned and secured to the respective sheaths, simplifying the overall attachment process compared to conventional single-piece couplings.
Solution Approach 2:
The four sleeves are arranged in a nested configuration where the first inner sleeve is surrounded by the second sleeve, which is in turn surrounded by the third sleeve, and finally by the fourth outer sleeve. This nested structure allows compact assembly while maintaining distinct functional zones for securing the inner and outer sheaths separately.
2Reliability
If conventional couplings are used for double-walled tubes or hoses, then fluid connection is achieved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the coupling into four sleeves, each component can be manufactured using standard, cost-effective processes. The modular design allows for simpler manufacturing of individual sleeves compared to complex conventional couplings, while the cumulative effect of four simple components achieves superior fluid tightness through multiple sealing interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling combines four separate sleeves into a single functional assembly that works together to secure both sheaths. This merging of multiple simple components into one integrated system achieves reliable fluid tightness while keeping individual component manufacturing costs low.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional couplings are used for double-walled tubes or hoses, then connection is achieved, but durability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The four-sleeve structure provides durability through distributed load bearing and multiple independent securing points. Each sleeve can be optimized for specific mechanical properties, and the modular design allows individual sleeves to be replaced if needed, enhancing overall durability while keeping the structural concept relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling incorporates a latching teeth arrangement that provides dynamic locking capability. The latching teeth engage with corresponding features on the sheaths to prevent accidental disconnection while allowing controlled assembly and disassembly, enhancing durability without requiring overly complex structural features.
4Ease of operation
If the coupling structure is simplified for easier attachment, then ease of operation improves, but fluid tightness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation into four sleeves actually enhances fluid tightness by creating multiple independent sealing interfaces between the sleeves and the sheaths. Each sleeve-can form its own seal, so the cumulative effect of four seals provides superior fluid tightness compared to conventional single-piece couplings, while the modular nature maintains ease of attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The four sleeves work together as an integrated system where each sleeve contributes to the overall fluid tightness. The combination of multiple sleeves with their respective sealing surfaces creates redundant sealing paths, ensuring fluid tightness is maintained even if one sealing interface is compromised, while the assembly process remains relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement (1, 2) of a coupling (3) and a double-walled tube or hose (4). The double-walled tube or hose (4) includes two coaxially arranged sheaths (5, 6). The coupling (3) includes: a first, inner sleeve (14), surrounding an inner fluid conduit (7) for transfer of a first fluid, wherein the inner fluid conduit (7) is configured to fluidly connect with the fluid conduit (7) formed by the first, inner sheath (14) of the flexible tube or hose (4); a second sleeve (15), surrounding the first, inner sleeve (14); a third sleeve (16), surrounding the second sleeve (15); and a fourth, outer sleeve (17), surrounding the third sleeve (16). The first (14) and the second (15) sleeve form a receiving space (27) for receiving the first, inner sheath (5) of an end (13) of the double-walled flexible tube or hose (4); the third (16) and fourth (17) sleeve form a receiving space (28) for receiving an end (13) of a second, outer sheath (6) of the double-walled flexible tube or hose (4); and the second (15) and third (16) sleeve form an outer fluid conduit (23) for transfer of a second fluid, wherein the outer fluid conduit (23) is configured to fluidly connect with the fluid conduit formed by the clearance (8) between the first, inner (5) and the second, outer sheath (6) of the double-walled flexible tube or hose (4). The fluid connector part (19) of the inner fluid conduit (7) of the coupling (3) and the fluid connector part (25) of the outer fluid conduit (23) of the coupling (3) are displaced from each other in an axial direction of the coupling (3).