Flexible Connecting Rod With Serpentine Slots for Fluid Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible fastening devices are complex and costly, particularly when connecting non-aligned flexible or semi-flexible structures, such as tubing, and struggle to maintain structural support while allowing fluid transfer, especially in medical and industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
A flexible connecting system comprising a cylindrical hollow body with sinuous, serpentine slots that provide interlocking teeth, allowing for flexibility and support through varying slot widths and angles, and can be used with one or two sleeves to accommodate fluid flow and structural alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If flexible fastening devices with braided strings and corrugated portions are used to connect flexible structures, then flexibility and connection capability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting rod is divided into multiple segments by transverse slots that extend partially through the wall thickness, creating articulated sections that can flex relative to each other. This segmentation provides flexibility without requiring complex braided structures, resolving the contradiction between connection capability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The slots are positioned and dimensioned to provide flexibility only in specific regions where needed, while maintaining structural integrity in other areas. The partial penetration of slots through the wall creates localized flexibility zones that enable connection of misaligned structures without compromising overall strength
2Strength
If the material is made more rigid to maintain curved configuration, then structural support is improved, but flexibility and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting rod transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic articulated structure where slots allow controlled movement between segments. This enables the rod to adapt its shape to curved configurations while maintaining structural support through the interplay of rigid segments and flexible joint regions
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting rod combines rigid material with flexible geometric features (slots) to create a composite structure that exhibits both strength and flexibility. The rigid base material provides structural support while the slot geometry introduces controlled flexibility, resolving the contradiction between strength and adaptability
3Adaptability or versatility
If the serpentine slot is filled with polymer or the shaft is encapsulated to accommodate fluid transfer, then fluid transfer capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid transfer function is extracted from the solid rod material by creating hollow cavities or channels within the rod structure. This allows fluid to pass through the connecting rod without requiring external polymer filling or encapsulation, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining fluid transfer capability
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting rod is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical connection, structural support, and fluid transfer. The hollow slot structure enables fluid passage while the surrounding solid material provides mechanical strength, eliminating the need for separate polymer components and reducing manufacturing complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible connecting system consists of a flexible connecting rod manufactured from a rigid material, a leading segment and a trailing segment. The body has at least one flexible center section, each having at least one slot to provide flexibility. The slot follows a sinuous, serpentine path to form a plurality of interlocking teeth that can follow a helical or a concentric path. One or more flexible sleeves are dimensioned to fit over the connecting rod to prevent the ingress or egress of material. One or both of the ends of the flexible connecting rod and flexible sleeve can be open or sealed.