Non-Metallic Fluid Coupling With Electrical Bonding and Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Metallic fluid coupling assemblies in aerospace systems are heavy, prone to corrosion, and compromise lightning protection, while existing non-metallic solutions lack adaptability and interchangeability with existing metallic designs.
Innovation Solution
The development of non-metallic fluid coupling assemblies using parts made from plastics, composites, or glass fiber with integrated hinge and latch mechanisms, allowing for weight reduction and seamless replacement within existing metallic systems, along with a stiff sealing sleeve for secure fluid seals and electrical conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metallic materials are used for fluid coupling assemblies, then strength and durability are improved, but weight increases and corrosion resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials, specifically carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) and glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP), to manufacture fluid coupling assemblies. These composite materials provide high strength-to-weight ratios, achieving both the strength requirements and weight reduction goals. The patent explicitly states that composite materials can reduce weight by 70-80% compared to traditional metallic materials while maintaining or improving strength characteristics.
2Strength
If metallic materials are used for fluid coupling assemblies, then strength is improved, but corrosion resistance worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes composite materials (CFRP and GFRP) that inherently resist corrosion, eliminating the corrosion issues associated with metallic materials. The patent highlights that composite materials do not suffer from corrosion, fatigue, or galvanic corrosion, providing superior long-term durability in corrosive environments while maintaining structural strength.
3Weight of moving object
If metallic coupling assemblies are replaced with non-metallic components, then weight is reduced, but adaptability with existing systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs non-metallic coupling assemblies with standardized interfaces and dimensions that are compatible with existing metallic systems and components. The coupling assemblies can interface with various tube sizes and configurations, and the patent explicitly mentions compatibility with existing aerospace fluid systems, ensuring broad adaptability while achieving weight reduction.
4Weight of moving object
If non-metallic sealing sleeves are used, then weight is reduced, but sealing reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials for sealing sleeves that maintain flexibility and sealing capability while reducing weight. The composite sealing sleeves are designed with appropriate material properties to ensure reliable sealing performance, and the patent includes testing and validation to confirm sealing reliability meets or exceeds metallic material performance.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid coupling (10) comprising: first and second semi-cylindrical elements cooperating to form a cylindrical coupling (10), the first and second semi-cylindrical elements formed of a non-metallic material; first and second hinge (24) elements integrally formed on respective said first and second semi-cylindrical elements for establishing a pivoting of the first and second semi-cylindrical elements to open and close the coupling (10); a latch (26) releasably connecting the first and second semi-cylindrical elements; a pin (48) passing through the first and second hinge (24) elements; a non-metallic sealing sleeve (54) positioned adjacent the ferrule adapter (16) of each fluid pipe to seal the coupling (10); and an electrically conducting bonding mechanism (28) formed on the coupling (10) and adapted to make electrical contact with a first and second fluid pipes when the coupling (10) is a closed position to conduct electricity from the first fluid pipe to the second fluid pipe.