Plastic Grid Dampening Resonance in Fluid Conduits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional charge air lines in vehicles face challenges with mechanical stability and resonance vibrations, particularly due to high dead weight in metal lines and instability in plastic lines.

Innovation Solution

A fluid line comprising a plastic tube with a surrounding plastic mesh that is inseparably connected to dampen resonance vibrations, allowing for reduced weight and enhanced mechanical stability, with the mesh optionally formed in one piece with the tube or welded on, and featuring a design that optimizes stabilization through strategically placed grid sections and side struts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If metal pipe is used, then mechanical stability is improved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical stabilityVSAvoidweight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a composite structure consisting of a plastic tube combined with a plastic grid (cross-bracing). This composite design provides mechanical stability comparable to metal pipes while maintaining the weight advantages of plastic materials, effectively resolving the contradiction between strength and weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The plastic grid is strategically positioned at specific locations along the plastic tube where mechanical support is most needed. This localized reinforcement approach provides adequate mechanical stability without unnecessarily increasing weight throughout the entire pipe structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Weight of moving object

If plastic pipe is used, then weight is reduced, but resonance vibrations increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveweightVSAvoidresonance vibrations
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The plastic grid structure acts as a vibration damping mechanism that disrupts resonant vibrations in the plastic tube. The cross-bracing creates multiple structural nodes that break up vibration patterns, effectively reducing harmful resonance while maintaining the lightweight plastic construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The grid is placed at specific sections of the tube where resonant vibrations are most problematic, providing targeted vibration damping without adding unnecessary weight to the entire pipe system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If pipe thickness is increased, then mechanical stability is improved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical stabilityVSAvoidweight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of increasing the thickness of the plastic tube wall, the invention uses an external plastic grid structure to provide the necessary mechanical stability. This approach maintains the lightweight advantage of thin-walled plastic tubes while achieving the required strength through the composite grid-tube structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The solution moves from a one-dimensional thickness increase to a two-dimensional external reinforcement structure. The plastic grid adds structural strength in the radial and circumferential directions without requiring increased wall thickness, thereby avoiding weight penalties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 solution provides a lightweight, mechanically stable fluid line capable of withstanding high temperatures and pressures, effectively damping resonance vibrations and replacing traditional metal tubing while maintaining structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

a plastic grid surrounding the plastic tube, which is designed to dampen a resonant vibration of the plastic tube

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3640468A1Fluid conduit for guiding a fluid
Publication Date: 2020.04.22 VERITAS AG
  • EP3640468A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3640468A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3640468A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a fluid line (100) for conveying a fluid, comprising a plastic tube (101) for conveying the fluid; and a plastic grid (103) that surrounds the plastic tube (101) and is designed to dampen a resonant vibration of the plastic tube (101). The plastic grid (103) is inseparably connected to the plastic tube (101).