Rotatable Flexible Coupling for Aircraft Fluid Misalignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Air conditioning systems in aircraft face challenges due to dynamic, aerodynamic, and thermal forces that cause modules to shift and change orientation, leading to disruptions in fluid connections between components.

Innovation Solution

A coupling with a body having two ends and a bore, featuring rotatable connections and convolutions, along with a bent elbow section, is designed to maintain fluid connections by allowing for flexibility and rotation, using elastomeric materials and reinforcement, to accommodate relative movements between components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If rigid couplings are used to connect modules, then structural strength is improved, but adaptability to structural displacement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling strengthVSAvoidadaptability to displacement

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling body incorporates convolutions (flexible bellows) that allow the coupling to flex and accommodate relative movement between modules while maintaining structural integrity and sealed fluid connections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure that can adapt its shape and orientation in response to forces and displacements, maintaining connection between modules under varying conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If flexible materials are used for coupling, then adaptability to movement is improved, but structural strength deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidcoupling strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling combines elastomeric flexible material with embedded reinforcement structures (such as fabric or fiber reinforcement) to achieve both flexibility for movement accommodation and sufficient structural strength to withstand operational forces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If rotatable connections are added to accommodate orientation changes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotational adaptabilityVSAvoidcoupling complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling integrates multiple functions into a single unified structure: the convolutional body simultaneously provides flexibility for linear displacement, rotational capability for orientation changes, and sealed fluid connection, eliminating the need for separate mechanical components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 coupling effectively maintains sealed and fluid connections between diverter valve and overboard exhaust despite changes in the location and orientation of these components, ensuring continuous operation of the air conditioning system.

Implementation Method 1

A coupling includes a body with two ends and a bore. Each end section includes a rotatable connection and a convolution, and there is a bent elbow section between the end sections.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10054338B2Flexible coupling with rotational capability

Publication Date: 2018.08.21 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP

AI summary

A coupling includes a body with two ends and a bore. Each end section includes a rotatable connection and a convolution, and there is a bent elbow section between the end sections.