Spring-Biased Connector Flange for Misalignment-Tolerant Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connectors used in systems like aircraft components often fail to maintain a secure, fluid-tight connection due to misalignment, which can be exacerbated by varying orientations and misalignments, leading to weak or impossible connections.
Innovation Solution
A tubular connector with a shoulder and flange system, utilizing a biasing mechanism like a wave spring, allows for fine adjustments in alignment through rotation and lateral movement, ensuring secure and fluid-tight connections by trapping the shoulder between the flange and structural element, with friction inhibiting realignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the connector and port are rigidly fixed without adjustment capability, then the connection structure is simple, but misalignment occurs leading to weak or non-fluid-tight connections
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates a rotational degree of freedom, transforming the rigid fixed connection into a dynamic adjustable connection. The connector can rotate about its longitudinal axis to accommodate misalignment between the connector and port, while maintaining connection integrity through friction between the connector surface and port interior surface.
2Manufacturing precision
If the connector allows rotation for alignment adjustment, then alignment precision is improved, but the connection may become loose or unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The friction between the connector exterior surface and port interior surface provides continuous feedback that automatically stabilizes the connection. As the connector rotates for alignment, friction maintains contact pressure, and once alignment is achieved, the same friction prevents unintended rotation or loosening, self-regulating the connection stability.
3Reliability
If the connector uses a compression fitting design, then the connection is fluid-tight, but misalignment prevents proper connection or weakens the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The compression fitting design is enhanced with rotational capability, allowing the connector to dynamically adjust its orientation during the connection process. This enables the compression seal to engage properly even when initial alignment is imperfect, as the connector can rotate into the correct position while maintaining compression sealing.
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 stable, fluid-tight connections that allow for precise alignment adjustments, maintaining connection integrity despite varying orientations and misalignments, enhancing the reliability of systems like aircraft hydraulic systems.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing means (16) extending between the shoulder (24) and the port end (26)
Implementation Method 2
with friction inhibiting realignment
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 4
AI summary
A connection apparatus (2) suitable for mounting on a structural element (8) and connection to a port (10) of a system (4) or component in which the connection apparatus (2) comprises a connector (14), a flange (12A, 12B) and a compressible biasing means (16) is provided. The connector (14) forms a longitudinally extending conduit having an axis (A) extending along the centre of the conduit, a port end (26) adapted to be engaged with the port (10) of a system (4) or component, and a second end (28). The connector (14) comprises a shoulder (24) extending around the perimeter of the connector (14), and the shoulder (24) extends around the perimeter of the connector (14) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the portion of the conduit axis (as) around which the shoulder (24) extends. The biasing means (16) is adapted to at least partially extend around a portion of the connector (14) adjacent to the shoulder (24). The flange (12) is adapted to at least partially extend around a portion of the connector (14) adjacent to the shoulder (24) between the shoulder (24) and the port end (26) of the connector (14), and to be fixed to the structural element (8) in a fixed position. The flange (12A, 12B), shoulder (24) and biasing means (16) are so configured that fixing the flange (12A, 12B) to the structural element (8) in the fixed position traps the shoulder (24) and the biasing means (16) between the flange (12A, 12B) and the structural element (8), and the biasing means (16) is partially but not fully compressed when the flange (12A, 12B) is in the fixed position.