Laser-Welded Fluid Conduit Hub Joint for Leak-Tight Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for coupling fluid conduits and connection hubs in beverage dispensing appliances often result in leaks and are not cost-effective for mass production.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a laser welding process using optical waveguides to create a fluid-tight bond between a fluid conduit and a connection hub by directing light beams across a transparent end section of the conduit to heat and melt the contact interface, forming a secure and evenly distributed weld.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional coupling methods are used to join fluid conduit and connection hub, then the coupling process is simple, but leakage occurs and fluid-tightness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical coupling methods with laser welding technology. A laser beam is directed through the transparent end section of the fluid conduit to heat and melt the contact interface between the conduit and connection hub, creating a fluid-tight bond. This substitution of mechanical assembly with thermal processing eliminates leakage while maintaining process efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the transparent optical property of the fluid conduit end section as a key parameter enabling the laser welding process. By selecting materials with specific optical transparency characteristics, the laser beam can pass through the conduit wall to heat the contact interface from the inside, achieving fluid-tight sealing without compromising the coupling process complexity.
2Productivity
If conventional joining methods are used, then manufacturing cost is low, but production efficiency and quality consistency are insufficient for mass production
Solution Approach 1:
The laser welding process replaces manual or mechanical joining methods with an automated optical-thermal process. The laser beam can be precisely controlled and directed through the transparent conduit end section, enabling consistent and rapid welding of multiple conduit-hub assemblies. This automation significantly improves productivity and quality consistency for mass production while the simplicity of the transparent material requirement keeps manufacturing costs manageable.
3Power
If the end section is made fully transparent for laser transmission, then laser welding efficiency is high, but mechanical strength and durability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making only the end section of the fluid conduit transparent while the rest of the conduit can be made of opaque materials with higher mechanical strength. This localized transparency enables laser transmission for welding at the critical contact interface, while the bulk of the conduit maintains its structural integrity and durability through conventional materials.
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
Achieves a leak-proof and efficient coupling suitable for mass production by creating a circumferential bond using laser welding, ensuring a secure and evenly distributed weld.
Implementation Method 1
The light of the light beam is converted into heat at the target zone to induce a temporal and local melting of material of the lateral wall of the end section and/or the connection hub cavity wall
Implementation Method 2
heating a target zone in the contact interface, for joining the fluid conduit and the connection hub at the target zone, by directing a light beam across the at least partially transparent end section of the fluid conduit
Implementation Method 3
The light of the light beam is converted into heat at the target zone to induce a temporal and local melting of material
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for joining a fluid conduit and a connection hub. There is provided a method for joining a fluid conduit 2 and a connection hub 7, wherein a fluid 2 conduit is provided having an at least partially transparent end section 1. Also provided is a connection hub 7 comprising a hub cavity 9 having a shape complementary to a shape of the end section of the fluid conduit 1. The end section of the fluid conduit 1 is at least partly introduced into the hub cavity 9 through an opening in the hub, wherein a contact interface between at least a lateral wall part of the end section 1 and a hub cavity 9 wall is established. The method includes heating a target zone 27 in the contact interface, for joining the fluid conduit 2 and the connection hub 7 at the target zone 27, by directing a light beam 29 across the at least partially transparent end section 1 of the fluid conduit 2 from a side of the fluid conduit 2 which is opposite a side of the target zone 27.