Oblique Abutment Fittings for Precise Fluid Circuit Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complex and costly process of connecting curved pipes in fluid circuits, such as those in aircraft, requires multiple handling and assembly steps, often necessitating specific wedging devices and resulting in high manufacturing costs and potential scrap of components upon defect.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the formation of oblique longitudinal abutment surfaces on tubular bodies and connection fittings, allowing for angular polarization and alignment, which simplifies the assembly process by eliminating the need for complex templates and ensuring secure sealing without the need for lugs or insertion fingers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If custom-made shimming devices are manufactured for each pipe configuration, then connection precision and alignment are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The connection fitting itself provides the alignment function through its geometric features (first and second angular positions, complementary shapes) without requiring external shimming devices. The fitting autonomously ensures precise angular positioning during assembly through its inherent structure, eliminating the need for complex external alignment tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection fitting serves multiple functions: it provides fluid connection, angular alignment, and positioning reference simultaneously. The complementary shapes and angular positions are integrated into the fitting design, allowing a single component to perform what previously required separate shimming devices and alignment tools.
2Reliability
If multiple handling and assembly steps are used for connecting curved pipes, then connection reliability is improved, but assembly time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The angular positions and complementary shapes are pre-defined during the fitting manufacturing process. This preliminary preparation of geometric features ensures that during assembly, the connection achieves proper alignment and reliability in a single operation, eliminating the need for multiple adjustment and verification steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical alignment systems (shimming devices, multiple clamping operations) with a simplified geometric interlocking system. The complementary shapes and angular positions provide inherent mechanical guidance that achieves reliable connection through a single insertion motion, substituting multi-step mechanical alignment with integrated geometric constraints.
3Measurement precision
If custom shimming devices are manufactured for each pipe type, then alignment accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment reference features are merged directly into the connection fitting structure. The first and second angular positions, along with complementary shapes, are integrated as inherent features of the fitting rather than requiring separate alignment components. This consolidation achieves precise alignment functionality while eliminating the cost of custom shimming devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection fitting employs asymmetric geometric features (specific angular positions, complementary non-symmetric shapes) that provide unique alignment references. This asymmetric design ensures precise angular positioning during assembly while being manufacturable using standard processes, avoiding the need for expensive custom symmetric alignment devices.
4Reliability
If complex assembly procedures are used for fluid circuit connections, then connection sealability is improved, but assembly complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection fitting provides self-alignment through its geometric features (angular positions, complementary shapes), eliminating the need for complex external alignment tools and procedures. The fitting autonomously ensures proper orientation and positioning during assembly, achieving reliable sealing without complex assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometric features ensuring sealability are pre-configured during fitting manufacturing. The complementary shapes and angular positions are prepared in advance, so that during assembly, the sealing function is achieved automatically through the inherent geometry, eliminating the need for complex sealing procedures or adjustments.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid circuit (CF) comprising at least a first hollow tubular body (T1), at least one connector (4), the first open end (11) of the first hollow tubular body (T1) being connected to the first open end (41) of the connector (4) in a sealed manner along a first fitting axis (X1), one of said first open ends (11, 41) being a male type end, the other one of said first open ends (11, 41) being of the female type so as to permit longitudinal fitting along the first fitting axis (X1), each first open end (11, 41) comprises a longitudinal abutment surface (13, 43) that comes into contact in an interface plane that is inclined, by a first abutment angle (θ1), with respect to the plane orthogonal to the first fitting axis (X1) so as to avoid angular misalignment.