Fluid Connector Moveable Adapter Thermal Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerospace fluid conveyance systems face issues due to thermal expansion and contraction, as well as vibrational stresses, leading to undesirable conditions like buckling or sagging in components such as hoses and tubes.
Innovation Solution
A fluid conveyance system connector with moveable adapters and variable volume chambers that utilize differential pressure to apply forces, either inwardly or outwardly, to accommodate thermal expansion and vibrational stresses, featuring a body, tube, and sealing adapters to manage pressure and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid connections are used in fluid conveyance systems, then structural strength is improved, but thermal expansion and contraction cause buckling or sagging
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a moveable adapter that can dynamically adjust its position along the tube axis in response to thermal expansion and contraction forces. This dynamic adjustment allows the connector to maintain structural integrity while accommodating dimensional changes in the fluid conveyance system components, preventing buckling and sagging without requiring rigid fixed connections
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of connector rigidity by incorporating a moveable adapter that transitions between different positional states. This allows the connector to adapt its mechanical properties based on thermal conditions, maintaining strength while accommodating expansion and contraction through controlled movement rather than rigid fixation
2Stability of the object's composition
If fixed connectors are used, then connection stability is improved, but vibrational stresses cause excessive movement or stresses on components
Solution Approach 1:
The moveable adapter provides dynamic response to vibrational stresses by allowing controlled movement along the tube axis. This dynamic capability enables the connector to absorb and dissipate vibrational energy rather than transmitting it as excessive stresses, while still maintaining connection stability through the sealing engagement between the adapter and the tube
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design inherently provides cushioning against vibrational stresses through the moveable adapter mechanism. The adapter's ability to move creates a cushioning effect that absorbs shock and vibration before these forces can cause excessive movement or damage to connected components, protecting the system from vibrational damage
3Stability of the object's composition
If moveable adapters are added to accommodate thermal expansion, then component stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into distinct functional components: a body, a tube, and a moveable adapter. This segmentation allows the moveable adapter to be designed as a specialized element that provides thermal expansion accommodation without requiring complex integration throughout the entire connector assembly, thereby managing overall device complexity through modular functional division
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 effectively prevents buckling and sagging by applying controlled forces to fluid conveyance system components, ensuring stability and reliability in aerospace environments.
Implementation Method 1
A differential pressure comprising a difference between the pressure of the conveyed fluid and the pressure exhibited by the external environment applies an inwardly or outwardly directed force to the moveable adapter
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid conveyance system connector includes a body and a tube positioned within the body through which a conveyed fluid flows. A moveable adapter is received in a first space between the body and the tube. The moveable adapter sealingly cooperates with the body and tube to define outer and inner variable volume chambers. The inner chamber communicates with one of an external environment or the conveyed fluid through a first port and the outer chamber communicates with the other of the conveyed fluid or the external environment through a second port such that the pressure in the inner chamber is the pressure exhibited by the external environment or the conveyed fluid and the pressure in the outer chamber is the pressure of the other of the conveyed fluid or the external environment. A differential pressure comprising a difference between the pressure of the conveyed fluid and the pressure exhibited by the external environment applies an inwardly or outwardly directed force to the moveable adapter.