Monolithic Grid-Reinforced Fluid Conduit for Lightweight Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid conduits often lack sufficient strength, are heavy, and have complex assembly processes, which pose challenges in various applications such as aircraft systems.
Innovation Solution
A fluid conduit design featuring a body with a reinforcing portion integrally formed via additive manufacturing, including a grid structure with beams that provide rectangular cells, enhancing strength and reducing weight while allowing for monolithic construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional fluid conduit designs are used, then assembly is simpler, but strength is insufficient and weight is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple components (body, reinforcing portion, and end fittings) into a single monolithic structure formed by additive manufacturing. This merging eliminates the need for separate assembly steps while providing integrated reinforcement at high-stress areas, thereby improving strength without increasing assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing portion is strategically placed at specific locations on the inner surface of the conduit body where stress concentrations occur. This localized reinforcement approach provides enhanced strength precisely where needed rather than uniformly throughout the entire conduit, optimizing the strength-to-weight ratio.
2Weight of moving object
If traditional fluid conduit designs are used, then manufacturing is conventional, but weight is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs additive manufacturing technology to create the conduit with optimized wall thicknesses and integrated reinforcing portions. This manufacturing parameter change enables weight reduction by removing unnecessary material while maintaining structural integrity, as the complex geometries can be formed directly without traditional subtractive or formative processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The monolithic structure combines different material densities and properties within a single component, with reinforcing portions providing higher structural performance in critical areas while the bulk material provides overall form and fluid passage. This composite approach optimizes weight by using material only where structurally necessary.
3Strength
If traditional fluid conduit designs are used, then construction is conventional, but strength is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The body and reinforcing portion are formed as a single integrated monolithic structure, eliminating the need for separate components that would require assembly. This merging provides continuous structural integrity and eliminates potential weak points at joints or interfaces while simplifying the overall construction approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcing portion extends into the third dimension from the inner surface of the conduit body, creating a complex three-dimensional structure that provides enhanced strength. This dimensional approach allows reinforcement without adding external attachments, as the strength-enhancing geometry is built directly within the conduit structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid conduit includes a body and a reinforcing portion integrally formed with the body. The reinforcing portion may be disposed at an inner surface of the body. The reinforcing portion may include a grid structure. The grid structure may include a plurality of beams that provide a plurality of rectangular cells. A fluid conduit may be formed via additive manufacturing. A body and a reinforcing portion may be formed as a monolithic component.