Nested Conduit Coupler Structure for Protected Stub-End Liners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for joining composite or metallic hoses/pipes at their ends via flanges are prone to separation or damage due to external forces and pressure, particularly when polymeric liners are exposed between flared ends.
Innovation Solution
A conduit joint system that includes a metallic coupler with symmetrical halves receiving opposing flared ends of conduits and surrounding joined polymeric liners, securing them with threaded fasteners to maintain a stable connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If flanges are bolted together to secure hoses or pipes, then the connection strength is improved, but the polymeric liners are exposed and vulnerable to separation or damage from external forces and pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is divided into an external coupler and an internal coupler, where the internal coupler is nested inside the external coupler. The internal coupler protects the exposed polymeric liners while the external coupler provides structural support and connection to the flanged ends, creating a nested protective system that addresses both connection strength and liner reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The internal coupler acts as an intermediary element between the exposed polymeric liners and the external environment. It provides direct protection to the liners against external forces and pressure, while the external coupler mediates the connection between flanged ends, distributing loads and preventing liner damage
2Ease of manufacture
If the coupler design is simplified, then the manufacturing ease is improved, but the ability to withstand external forces and pressure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is segmented into two distinct components: an external coupler and an internal coupler. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured using optimized processes for its specific function, while the assembly of these segments creates a structure capable of withstanding external forces and pressure that would be difficult to achieve in a single-piece design
3Reliability
If the flared ends are spaced apart to accommodate liners, then the liner joining is improved, but the structural stability against external forces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The nested coupler structure provides structural stability while accommodating the spaced-apart flared ends. The internal coupler maintains the spacing needed for liner joining, while the external coupler provides the structural framework that resists external forces, creating a stable configuration that preserves both liner joining reliability and overall structural integrity
Data Source
AI summary
A conduit joint system includes first and second conduits having first and second flared ends and first and second liners protruding from the flared ends. The liners are joined via a liner coupler so that the flared ends are opposing and spaced from one another and portions of the liners are between the flared ends. A conduit coupler is configured to receive the flared ends and includes (i) a first flange receiving portion configured to receive the first flared end, (ii) a second flange receiving portion configured to receive the second flared end, and (iii) a body portion extending between the flange receiving portions and configured to receive the portions of the liners between the flared ends. With the liners joined and with the conduit coupler receiving the flared ends, and the portions of the liners, the conduit coupler secures the first and second conduits together.