Flexible Sleeve Pipe Connector for Misaligned Aircraft Fluid Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
In aircraft fluid circuits, misalignment of pipes due to manufacturing and thermal expansion issues complicates the sealing connection, and high rigidity connectors can stress the pipes, failing to absorb expansion effects.
Innovation Solution
A linking connector with a central sleeve and flexible teeth that can slide and tilt to correct misalignment, distributing forces and allowing for axial clearance, along with a clamping mechanism for secure sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a high rigidity connector is used to align pipes axially, then alignment precision is improved, but the connector cannot absorb thermal expansion effects and stresses the pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates flexible teeth that can dynamically adjust their position to accommodate thermal expansion and misalignment, transforming a static rigid structure into a dynamic adaptive one that maintains alignment precision while absorbing expansion effects
Solution Approach 2:
The connector uses flexible teeth made of elastomeric material that can bend and deform to compensate for thermal expansion and misalignment, providing both alignment precision and adaptability to dimensional changes
2Reliability
If a linking connector is used to seal pipe connections, then sealing reliability is improved, but misalignment due to manufacturing tolerances makes positioning difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible teeth made of elastomeric material can deform to accommodate misalignment between pipes, allowing the connector to self-position and maintain sealing reliability even when pipes are not perfectly aligned
Solution Approach 2:
The connector changes its geometric parameters through the deformation of flexible teeth to adapt to misalignment conditions, maintaining sealing contact while accommodating variations in pipe positioning
3Adaptability or versatility
If axial clearance is provided to accommodate pipe deformations, then adaptability is improved, but connection stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible teeth provide continuous contact and support within the axial clearance, maintaining connection stability while allowing the clearance to accommodate pipe deformations and thermal expansion
Solution Approach 2:
The connector dynamically adjusts its position and orientation within the axial clearance through flexible tooth deformation, maintaining stable connection while adapting to pipe movements and expansions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables easy and secure connection of pipes with misalignment compensation, ensuring durable and leak-proof fluid communication while accommodating thermal expansion without stressing the pipes.
Implementation Method 1
the central sleeve comprising a plurality of flexible teeth configured to cooperate with the second peripheral connection element in order to correct a possible misalignment between the first axis and the second axis
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid circuit, in particular for an aircraft, comprising at least one first duct (1) and a first connecting member (5), at least one second duct (2) and a second connecting member (6), a connector piece (3), for joining the two connection ends of the ducts (1, 2) in a leaktight manner, comprising a central sleeve (4) configured to cooperate, at a first end, with the first connecting member (5) and, at a second end, with the second connecting member (6), the central sleeve (4) having a plurality of flexible teeth (41) in order to correct any error in alignment between the first axis (X1) and the second axis (X2).