Tube Fastening Kit with Sliding Coupling for Thermal Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for fastening a tube to a coupling, where the tube passes through a sleeve, are limited by the length of the tube that can be inserted, leading to insufficient resilient damping, especially in applications like rocket engine heat exchangers where thermal expansion occurs.
Innovation Solution
A method and kit that involve a distinct sleeve and coupling, where the coupling is moved relative to the sleeve to allow the sleeve to be fastened at a distance from the tube's end, enabling a longer sleeve and improved resilient damping, and allowing for thermal and mechanical protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the tube is fastened by insertion through the sleeve to the coupling, then the tube can be connected to the coupling, but the sleeve length is limited to the length of the tube portion that can be placed inside the sleeve
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the fastening process into two independent stages: first fastening the tube to the coupling when the coupling projects outside the sleeve, then moving the coupling inside the sleeve and fastening the sleeve to the coupling. This segmentation allows the sleeve length to be independent of the tube insertion length, resolving the contradiction between sleeve length and fastening complexity.
2Length of stationary object
If the coupling is moved inside the sleeve after tube fastening, then the sleeve can be fastened at a distance from the tube end, but the tube cannot extend through the sleeve to the remote end of the internal passage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs the tube-to-coupling fastening action before moving the coupling inside the sleeve. This preliminary action ensures the tube is securely connected to the coupling while the coupling is still accessible outside the sleeve, maintaining connection reliability while enabling the sleeve to be positioned at an optimal distance for fastening to the coupling.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the sleeve length is increased for thermal protection, then thermal isolation is improved, but the tube insertion length becomes insufficient for expansion fastening
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the thermal protection function (provided by the sleeve length) from the tube insertion function (provided by the coupling position during fastening). By fastening the tube to the coupling before moving the coupling inside the sleeve, the sleeve can be made long enough for thermal protection while the tube still reaches the coupling for proper expansion fastening.
4Ease of manufacture
If the sleeve is fastened close to the tube end, then the fastening process is simpler, but stress concentrations increase due to thermal expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses the coupling as an intermediary element between the tube and the sleeve. The coupling allows the tube to be fastened securely while positioning the sleeve at an optimal distance from the tube end, thereby reducing stress concentrations from thermal expansion while maintaining fastening simplicity through the standardized expansion process.
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
This solution provides reliable and inspectable fastening with reduced stress concentrations and improved thermal isolation, accommodating thermal expansions and contractions in applications like rocket engine heat exchangers.
Implementation Method 1
the coil is subjected to considerable amounts of thermal expansion as a result of the very large temperature variations to which it is subjected
Implementation Method 2
the sleeve-forming portion presents a certain amount of resilience, thereby accommodating a limited amount of movement of the ends of the coil and thus limiting the stresses to which those ends are subjected
Implementation Method 3
The coupling is suitable for sliding coaxially relative to the sleeve
Implementation Method 4
The end of the tube is then deformed plastically so that this end is blocked in leaktight manner in a groove provided for this purpose in the coupling
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening method for fastening a tube (50) to a connector (101, 102), the method comprising the following steps: a) providing a connection kit comprising a sleeve, and a coupling for connecting together at least one pair of tubes, of generally tubular shape; b) placing the coupling in a first position in which the first end of the coupling projects outside the sleeve through a first end (10A) thereof; c) then fastening the first tube in leaktight manner to the first orifice; d) moving the coupling relative to the sleeve into a second position in which the first orifice lies inside the sleeve; and e) with the coupling in the second position, fastening the sleeve (10) at a sufficient distance from the coupling (20). A connection kit for performing the method.