Flexible Conduit Assembly with Welded Connector Layers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible fluid conduits are prone to deformation, bending, and breakage when subjected to environmental pressures and vibrations, and existing solutions often lead to leakage and noise issues at connectors, while also requiring additional mounting elements.

Innovation Solution

A fluid flow conduit assembly featuring a flexible conduit with a connector composed of two permanently attached layers, where the conduit is placed between these layers, and the connection is reinforced through welding or adhesive methods to prevent damage and noise, allowing for flexible direction changes without additional mounting needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid connector is placed in the flexible conduit at the point of direction change, then the conduit is protected against deformation and breakage, but leakage and noise occur at the union of the connector and conduit

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against deformation and breakageVSAvoidleakage at union

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a flexible protective sheath made of thin film material that envelops the flexible conduit throughout its length, including at direction change points. This flexible shell provides mechanical protection against deformation and breakage while maintaining flexibility, eliminating the need for rigid connectors that cause leakage. The thin film sheath conforms to the conduit's shape and movements without creating rigid joints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The protective structure combines the flexible conduit material with an outer flexible protective sheath, creating a composite structure. This composite design integrates the strengths of both materials - the conduit's flexibility and the sheath's protective properties - while avoiding the leakage issues associated with rigid connector unions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If a rigid connector is placed in the flexible conduit at the point of direction change, then the conduit is protected against deformation and breakage, but noise is generated during fluid flow through the connector

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against deformation and breakageVSAvoidnoise during fluid flow

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible protective sheath provides a smooth, continuous surface that allows fluid to flow without the turbulence and noise generation caused by rigid connector joints. The flexible material conforms to flow changes and eliminates the threshold effects that create noise in rigid connector systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Volume of moving object

If thin and fragile conduits are installed, then the space for mounting is minimized, but the conduits are exposed to uncontrolled bending and fracture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting spaceVSAvoidresistance to bending and fracture

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible protective sheath acts as a reinforcing layer that protects the thin flexible conduit from bending and fracture. This allows the use of thin-walled conduits that occupy minimal space while the external flexible sheath provides the necessary mechanical strength and protection against environmental factors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The composite structure of the thin flexible conduit within the protective sheath combines the space-saving advantages of thin walls with the strength protection of the outer sheath, creating a lightweight, space-efficient, yet durable fluid transport solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Strength

If additional mounting elements are used to suspend or mount the flexible conduit at the point of assembly, then the conduit is protected against damage, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against damageVSAvoidnumber of additional elements

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protective sheath is integrated directly with the flexible conduit, forming a unified protective structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate mounting elements and additional hardware, as the sheath itself provides both protection and structural support throughout the conduit's length, including at direction change points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10215313B2Flexible conduit assembly for the flow of fluids and a procedure for shaping the flexible conduit for the flow of fluids

Publication Date: 2019.02.26 LEAR CORP

AI summary

A fluid flow conduit assembly includes a flexible conduit having a closed cross section, and a connector. The connector has first and second layers with the flexible conduit extending between the first and second layers, and wherein the first and second layers are permanently attached to each other outside of the flexible conduit.