Laser-Sealed Concentric Conduit Layers for Fluid-Tight Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connections between conduits often fail to provide a reliable, fluid-tight seal, leading to leaks and inefficiencies in fluid flow systems.
Innovation Solution
A connection system featuring a first layer and a second layer concentrically disposed about the first layer, with a laser-induced seal between them, providing a fluid-tight engagement by using a laser to fuse or combine the materials, thereby creating a secure and leak-proof interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional connection methods are used between conduits, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of fluid-tight seal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical sealing methods with laser-induced sealing. The laser beam melts and fuses the thermoplastic layers together to create a fluid-tight seal, eliminating the need for complex mechanical seal components while achieving superior sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser-induced seal process utilizes phase transition of the thermoplastic material from solid to molten state and back to solid. The laser heats the thermoplastic layer to its melting point, allowing it to flow and bond with adjacent surfaces, then cools to form a permanent fluid-tight seal.
2Reliability
If laser-induced seal is used to fuse concentrically layered materials, then the fluid-tight engagement is achieved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser energy is concentrated precisely at the interface between the concentrically layered materials where sealing is required. This localized energy application melts only the thermoplastic layer at the seal location, minimizing overall energy consumption while achieving reliable fluid-tight engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser sealing process can be applied periodically at discrete locations along the conduit connection, rather than continuously along the entire length. This allows energy-efficient sealing at critical points while maintaining fluid-tight engagement where most needed.
3Productivity
If existing connection methods are used, then the ease of manufacture is maintained, but the productivity of fluid flow system installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The concentrically layered structure with thermoplastic sealing layers is pre-manufactured into the conduit components before installation. This preliminary preparation of sealing surfaces enables rapid laser sealing during installation, significantly improving productivity without requiring complex manufacturing processes at the installation site.
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 laser-induced seal effectively prevents fluid from escaping across the connection point, ensuring a reliable and efficient fluid flow path without leaks, adaptable to various conduit sizes and materials.
Implementation Method 1
a laser-induced seal between portions of the first and second layers
Implementation Method 2
using a laser to fuse or combine the materials
Implementation Method 3
laser-induced seal provides a fluid-tight engagement
Data Source
AI summary
A connection, and methods of making an using such a connection, the connection comprising a first layer; a second layer concentrically disposed about the first layer; and a laser-induced seal between portions of the first and second layers; wherein the laser-induced seal provides a fluid-tight engagement between the first and second layers. As to particular embodiments of the connection, the first layer can be incorporated into a first conduit and the second layer can be incorporated into a second conduit.