Two-Material Tubing Adaptor for Metal-to-Plastic Fluid Connections
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid conveyance systems in vehicles often require modification to connect metal tubing with plastic tubing for repair or pathway changes, lacking an effective adaptor to establish fluid communication between dissimilar materials.
Innovation Solution
An adaptor is designed with a body having ends made from dissimilar materials, one end featuring a concentric barb for connecting to tubing and the other a receptacle, manufactured using a two-shot molding process to ensure a mechanical and cohesive interlock, allowing connection of metal and plastic tubing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-material adaptor is used to connect metal and plastic tubing, then manufacturing is simpler, but the connection reliability and material compatibility are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor is constructed from two dissimilar materials: a rigid material (such as metal or rigid plastic) for the body providing structural strength, and a flexible material (such as elastomer or rubber) for the sealing surface providing compliance and sealability. This composite construction enables reliable connection between metal and plastic tubing by combining the advantages of both rigid and flexible materials in a single adaptor component.
2Reliability
If additional clamps are used to secure tubing to the adaptor, then connection security is improved, but the device complexity and assembly steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor incorporates an integrated retaining feature that automatically secures the tubing without requiring external clamps or additional fastening components. The flexible material deforms under insertion force to grip the tubing, and the geometric configuration of the adaptor body provides mechanical retention, enabling the adaptor to secure itself to the tubing through its own structural features.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional single-material adaptors are used, then manufacturing process is simpler, but adaptability to different tubing materials and conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor is constructed from two dissimilar materials: a rigid material (such as metal or rigid plastic) for the body providing structural strength, and a flexible material (such as elastomer or rubber) for the sealing surface providing compliance and sealability. This composite construction enables reliable connection between metal and plastic tubing by combining the advantages of both rigid and flexible materials in a single adaptor component.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor utilizes materials with different physical properties - the flexible material exhibits elastic deformation under compression to conform to tubing surfaces, while the rigid material maintains dimensional stability. This combination of materials with contrasting mechanical parameters (flexibility vs. rigidity) allows the adaptor to adapt to various tubing materials and installation conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an adaptor having a body having a first end and a second end opposed to the first end, the first end and the second end are made from dissimilar materials, the first end has an outer surface supporting a concentric barb for connecting to a tubing, and the second end has a receptacle for connecting to a fitting.