Hinged Coupling Assembly with Bonding Wires for Electrostatic Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid conveying line couplings face challenges in preventing electrostatic charge buildup, particularly in the presence of fuel, which can lead to sparks and ignition, due to the use of metallic flanges and deformable o-rings that insulate coupled sections, creating a spark gap and failing to dissipate dynamic electrical charges effectively.
Innovation Solution
A clamshell coupling assembly with hinged coupling members, bonding wires, and a releasable latching assembly that electrically bonds the coupling members to the ferrules and sleeve, ensuring electrical conductivity and providing a redundant support pin structure to prevent inadvertent removal of pins and ensure secure closure, thereby preventing electrostatic buildup and sparks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If deformable O-rings are used for sealing, then sealing is achieved, but electrostatic charge dissipation is prevented due to electrical insulation
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly merges sealing and electrical conductivity functions into a single integrated structure. The bonding wires are incorporated into the coupling member design, allowing simultaneous achievement of sealing (through the sleeve and O-rings) and electrostatic charge dissipation (through the conductive path provided by the bonding wires to the ferrules).
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical properties of the coupling system are changed by introducing bonding wires with high electrical conductivity. This parameter change transforms the insulating characteristic of the O-ring sealed joint into a conductive joint, enabling electrostatic charge dissipation while maintaining the sealing pressure and integrity provided by the deformable O-rings.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If bonding wires are added to ensure electrical conductivity, then electrostatic charge dissipation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bonding wires serve multiple functions: they provide electrical conductivity for electrostatic charge dissipation, act as mechanical fasteners to secure the coupling members to the ferrules, and contribute to the overall structural integrity of the assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling assembly employs a composite structure combining conductive materials (bonding wires, coupling members) with elastomeric sealing materials (deformable O-rings). This composite approach allows the different materials to perform their specialized functions while working together in an integrated assembly, achieving electrical conductivity and sealing without requiring overly complex designs.
3Reliability
If redundant support pin structure is added to prevent inadvertent removal, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The redundant support pin structure provides a backup mechanism that prevents inadvertent removal of the primary support pins. This beforehand cushioning approach ensures that even if one pin fails or becomes loose, the coupling assembly remains securely closed, maintaining reliability while using a straightforward mechanical design that does not significantly complicate manufacturing.
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 coupling assembly effectively prevents electrostatic charge buildup by maintaining electrical conductivity across the fluid lines, reducing the risk of sparks and ignition, and ensuring secure and reliable operation through redundant structural features.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of bonding wires, each of which is coupled to a respective coupling member and configured to electrically bond the respective coupling member to the ferrules of respective fluid conveying members
Implementation Method 2
a pair of bonding members, each of which is externally mounted to a respective coupling member and configured to electrically bond the respective coupling member to the sleeve
Implementation Method 3
a hinge assembly configured to hingedly connect the first ends of the coupling members to permit them to rotate relative to each other between an open position and a closed position
Implementation Method 4
a releasable latching assembly configured to releasably secure the second ends of the coupling members together when they are in their closed position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A coupling assembly (100) for releasably interconnecting a fluid joint is provided where the fluid joint includes confronting ends of a pair of fluid conveying members (108a, b), each of which has a ferrule (110a, b) fixedly attached thereto, and a sleeve (112) circumferentially surrounding the ferrules. The coupling assembly includes a pair of coupling members (102a, b), each of which has a first end and a second end, a hinge assembly (104) configured to hingedly connect the first ends of the coupling members to permit them to rotate relative to each other between an open position and a closed position where the coupling members surround the sleeve, a pair of bonding wires (152a, b), each of which is coupled to a respective coupling member and configured to electrically bond the respective coupling member to the ferrules of respective fluid conveying members, and a releasable latching assembly (106) configured to releasably secure the second ends of the coupling members together when they are in their closed position.