Patent Publication Number: US-2019178425-A1

Title: Coupler with non-metallic conductive gasket

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/597,967, filed on Dec. 13, 2017, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates to coupling assemblies and couplers for connecting fluid conveying members or conduits, including couplers having a non-metallic conductive gasket. 
     BACKGROUND 
     This background description is set forth below for the purpose of providing context only. Therefore, any aspect of this background description, to the extent that it does not otherwise qualify as prior art, is neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the instant disclosure. 
     Couplers are used to connect fluid conveying members, such as tubes or conduits, across a fluid transport system. A fluid transport system commonly includes tubes connected together for moving fluid through the tubes. As used herein, a “fluid” may comprise any number of liquids and/or gases. Fluid transport systems may be used, for example to transport any number of fluids within vehicles, including, without limitation, automobiles or aircraft. For example, threadless couplers have been developed to connect ducts or fuel lines carrying fuel and other fluids throughout an aircraft. 
     Such couplers and most of the sub-components are commonly made of metal, such as aluminum or steel. Traditional couplers employ metallic components to meet electrical conductivity requirements, such as in connection with fuel line applications. For fluid conveying members that convey fuel, there may be a concern that the design can adequately dissipate electrostatic charges that may build up between insulated sections of coupled conveying members. That is, fuel tubes comprised of plastic and/or metal materials may be susceptible to a buildup of electrostatic charge. A buildup of electrostatic charge with a fuel tube may be caused by a number of different factors including, but not limited to, the flow of a fluid through a fuel tube. When an electrostatic charge builds up on a surface of a fuel tube, the fuel tube can be prone or susceptible to electrical discharge of the electrostatic charge. As such, some conventional solutions may involve the use of an electrical jumper, or bonding jumper, which can provide an electrically conductive connection between coupled members. 
     There is an interest in couplers that are lighter weight, contain fewer components, provide for efficient assembly and uses, and do not sacrifice performance, including handling of charge transfer. 
     There is a desire for solutions/options that address or eliminate one or more challenges or shortcomings of current couplers. The foregoing discussion is intended only to illustrate examples of the present field and should not be taken as a disavowal of scope. 
     SUMMARY 
     A coupler for connecting a first fluid conveying member and a second fluid conveying member includes a first coupler half, a second coupler half, and a conductive gasket. In embodiments, at least one of the first coupler half and the second coupler half include an annular groove configured to receive at least a portion of the conductive gasket; the conductive gasket comprises non-metallic material, the first coupler half and the second coupler half are configured to connect and circumferentially surround portions of said first and second fluid conveying members, and the conductive gasket provides a portion of a conductivity path from a first end of the coupler to a second end of the coupler, and may be part of a conductivity path from a first fluid conveying member to a second fluid conveying member. Embodiments of a non-metallic conductive gasket and methods of making a coupler assembly are also disclosed. 
     The foregoing and other aspects, features, details, utilities, and/or advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent from reading the following description, and from reviewing the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of a coupler according to teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is side elevation view of a coupler as generally illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is another side elevation view of a coupler as generally illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of a coupler as generally illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is side elevation view of an embodiment of a coupler, such as generally illustrated in  FIG. 1 , shown in an open configuration with portions of two fluid conveying members. 
         FIG. 5A  is an exploded view of an embodiment of a coupler according to teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is cross-sectional side elevation view of an embodiment of a coupler, such as generally illustrated in  FIG. 1 , shown in an engaged configuration with portions of two fluid conveying members. 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  are perspective views of an embodiment of coupler halves according to teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  are perspective views of an embodiment of a pair of conductive gaskets according to teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of a portion of an embodiment of a coupler half and conductive gasket according to teachings of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9B  is an enlarged view of a portion of the coupler half and conductive gasket generally illustrated in  FIG. 9A . 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a portion of an embodiment of a conductive gasket, of the type generally illustrated in  FIGS. 9A and 9B . 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a portion of an embodiment of a coupler half, such as generally illustrated in  FIG. 9B , shown without a conductive gasket. 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional representation of an embodiment of a coupler according to teachings of the present disclosure, generally illustrating an electrical conductivity path across the coupling. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the present disclosure will be described in conjunction with embodiments and/or examples, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the present disclosure to these embodiments and/or examples. On the contrary, the present disclosure is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents. 
     An embodiment of a coupler  10  that may be used to connect fluid conveying members is generally illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 . In embodiments, such as illustrated, the coupler  10  may be a concentric slide clamshell-type coupler, which may include a pair of coupler halves that are joined or connected, such as via a hinge. 
     As generally illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an embodiment of a coupler  10  may include two coupler halves  20 ,  30  that may be connected and retained in a connected configuration via a latch  40 .  FIG. 3  generally illustrates an embodiment of a hinge (or hinge assembly)  50  that may join or connect the coupler halves.  FIG. 4  generally illustrates a top plan view of an embodiment of a coupler  10  having a latch  40  and a hinge  50 . 
       FIG. 5  generally illustrates an embodiment of a coupler  10 , such as generally illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 , shown in a partially split or open configuration.  FIG. 5A  generally shows an exploded view of the components associated with an embodiment of a coupler. The illustrated coupler  10  may be used to connect portions of two fluid conveying members  100 ,  200 .  FIG. 6  generally illustrates an embodiment of a coupler  10  according to the present disclosure that is shown connecting two fluid conveying members  100 ,  200  in a connected or closed configuration. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , embodiments of a first coupler half  20  and a second coupler half  30 , are respectively shown. As generally illustrated, interior circumferential portions of each of the coupler halves  20 ,  30  may include annular grooves, such as generally designated  20   a  and  20   b  (with first coupler half  20 ) and  30   a  and  30   b  (with second coupler half  30 ). In embodiments, annular groove  20   a  of first coupler half  20  may correspond with annular groove  30   a  of second coupler member  30  to form a substantially continuous annular groove. In a similar manner, annular groove  20   b  of first coupler half  20  may correspond with annular groove  30   b  of second coupler member  30 . The annular grooves may be provided or disposed at or about opposing edges of the coupler halves. For example, annular grooves  20   a  and  30   a  may be provided about a first end of coupler  10 , and annular grooves  30   a  and  30   b  may be provided about a second end of coupler  10 . With embodiments, portions of the coupler halves  20 ,  30  may be configured to engage and capture or retain annular flanges provided in connection with the associated fluid conveying members  100 ,  200 . 
     In embodiments, one or more apertures  60  may be included and provided around portions of the first and second coupler halves  20 ,  20 . Such apertures  60  may, among other purposes, provide for a decrease in material while providing a view with respect to portions of the fluid conveying members and the connection thereof. 
       FIG. 8A  generally illustrates and embodiment of a pair of conductive gaskets  70   a ,  70   b  that may be used in connection with a coupler  10  according to the present disclosure. In such an embodiment (which may be referred to as a “four-piece” gasket design), conductive gasket  70   a  may comprise two separate segments  70   a ′ and  70   a ″ and those two segments may, for example, be at least partially disposed within annular grooves  20   a  and  30   a , respectively. Similarly, two separate segments  70   b ′ and  70   b ″ may, for example, be at least partially disposed within annular grooves  20   b  and  30   b , respectively. In embodiments, one end of the separate segments may be positioned to coincide with the portion of the coupler  10  that is open in an open configuration. 
       FIG. 8B  generally illustrates another embodiment of a pair of conductive gaskets  70   a  and  70   b  (which may be referred to as a “two-piece” gasket design). With respect to the illustrated embodiment, each one of the pair of conductive gaskets  70   a  and  70   b  may only be separated (or split) at one portion or position. With such an embodiment, conductive gasket  70   a  may be used in connection with both annular grooves  20   a  and  30   a , and conductive gasket  70   b  may be used in connection with both annular grooves  20   b  and  30   b . In embodiments, the separation or split associated with each conductive gasket  70   a ,  70   b  may be positioned to coincide with the portion of the coupler  10  that is open in an open configuration. 
     In embodiments, the conductive gasket may be non-metallic and may be comprised of a conductive material. In embodiments, the conductive gasket may be a compression-type gasket that may provide intimate compressive contact with an intended surface—which may include, for example and without limitation, a non-ferrule surface of a conveying member. With embodiments, a non-metallic conductive gasket may be comprised of a rubber, an elastomeric material, or a rubber and an elastomeric material. With embodiments, the non-metallic conductive gasket may include a sufficient amount of carbon, carbon nanotubes, and/or various other conductive filler(s). For some embodiments, the conductive gasket may be comprised of a composite material, which may include a sufficient amount of carbon to allow the material to meet an electrical conductivity requirement. Without limitation, embodiments of a conductive gasket may be comprised of a conductive rubber elastomer and/or may be comprised of impregnated conductive fibers or fillers. In an embodiment, a conductive gasket may be comprised of fluorosilicone rubber filled with silver plated aluminum. Additionally, with embodiments, coupler halves may be of composite material which may include sufficient amount of carbon, carbon nanotubes, and/or other conductive filler(s)—an example of which is commercialized under the trade name of Victrex PEEK90HMF40. 
     While two conductive gaskets are generally shown in connection with the drawing figures, it is possible that only one conduct gasket is utilized, or even that more than two conductive gaskets are utilized. Moreover, with different embodiments of a coupler, one or more conductive gaskets may be provided that have ends that are separated but push up or effectively meet one another. With other embodiments, one or more conductive gaskets may provide a continuous segment that extends up to about 350 degrees (or more) with respect to a circumference of a coupler. 
       FIG. 9A  generally illustrates an embodiment of a coupler half (e.g.,  20 ) that includes a first conductive gasket  70   a  shown in connection with an annular groove (e.g.,  20   a ) at a first end of the coupler half, and a second conductive gasket  70   b  shown in connection with an annular groove (e.g.,  20   b ) at a second end of the coupler half.  FIG. 9B  shows an enlarged view of a portion of the coupler shown in  FIG. 9A . As generally illustrated in  FIG. 9A  (as well as also illustrated in part in  FIG. 9B ), a portion of the conductive gasket  70   a ,  70   b  (e.g., portion  80 ) may extend radially inwardly beyond the inner radial portion/extent of the associated annular groove  20   a ,  20   b  of the coupler half  20 . The portion of the conductive gasket  70   a ,  70   b  that extends radially inwardly beyond the extent of the inner radial portion/extent of the associated annular groove (e.g., portion  80 ) may be configured to contact a portion of a fluid conveying member (e.g., an annular flange). Moreover, the amount of such contact provided by the conductive gasket may be sufficient to provide an electrical conductivity path (or bridge) from the coupler half to an associated fluid conveying member. A configuration with a conductive gasket can, inter alia, provide a conductivity path between associated fluid conveying members and associated coupler halves. 
     An embodiment of a portion of a conductive gasket  70   a  is generally depicted in  FIG. 9 . The illustrated embodiment of a conductive gasket is shown having two unitary portions—a radially inner portion  80  and a radially outer portion  82 . In an embodiment as generally shown, for example and without limitation, the radially inner portion  80  may have a generally triangular cross-sectional shape, and the radially outer portion  82  may have a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape. However, as those of skill in the art will readily understand, the present concept is not limited to conductive gaskets having a shape and configuration as shown in the figures, and the concept may utility conductive gaskets having various other sizes, shapes, and configurations. For example and without limitation, a conductive gasket may have a generally elliptical shape in cross section. In embodiments, such as illustrated in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , the radially outer portion  82  of the conductive gasket  70   a  may substantially fill an associated cross-sectional area of the associated annular groove  20   a .  FIG. 11  generally illustrates a portion of an embodiment of a coupler half  20 , such as generally illustrated in  FIG. 9B , shown with an annular groove  20   a  and without a conductive gasket. 
     With embodiments of the present disclosure, a conductive gasket  70  may be disposed and retained in connection with an annular groove of a coupler half in various manners or ways. For example and without limitation, a conductive gasket (or portion thereof), e.g.,  70   a , may be provided inside an annular groove of a coupler half, e.g.,  20   a . With some embodiments, the conductive gasket may be press-fit (e.g., press fit on two or three sides). With other embodiments, the conductive gasket may be mechanically secured by some form of mechanical formation or mechanical attachment or device. In yet other embodiments, the conductive gasket may be secured by a conductive agent, which may comprise a bonding agent and/or glue. In other embodiments, the conductive gasket may be secured or retained using one or more of the foregoing configurations or methods. 
     With an embodiment of method of the present disclosure, since the conductive gasket are not required to be continuous (i.e., as the conductive gasket may have one or more separations or comprise separated segments), the conductive gasket may be connected to the coupler halves (at least partially disposed within a portion in the associated annular groove(s) of the coupler halves) prior to the coupler halves engaging and connecting the conveying members. Such a configuration with a conductive gasket that may be part of the coupler can contrast with the connection of an O-ring which would typically be connected over and to an end of a conveying member (e.g., in a ferrule on the conveying member) prior to use of a coupler to connect one conveying member to another conveying member. 
       FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional representation of a portion of an embodiment of a coupler generally illustrating an electrical conductivity path across the coupler and the coupling assembly (which includes the coupler and the coupled conveying members  100 ,  200 ). As generally illustrated in  FIG. 12 , conveying member  100  may include a portion  102 , conveying member  200  may include a portion  202 , and both portions  102  and  202  may be retained by/within a portion of coupler half  20  (such as when the coupler half of the coupler is in a closed configuration). As generally illustrated, a portion of a first conductive gasket  70   a  may be provided in an annular groove  20   a  at a first end of the coupler half  20 , and a portion of a second conductive gasket  70   b  may be provided in an annular groove  20   b  at a second end of the coupler half  20 . In embodiments, the conductive gasket  70   a , 70   b  does not extend longitudinally beyond the longitudinal extent of the coupler  10 . Further, as also generally illustrated in  FIG. 12 , a portion of a conductive gasket (e.g. radially outer portion  820  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 9 )) may be disposed to provide intimate compressive contact with a surface of a conveying member  100 ,  200 . Such surface of the conveying member  100 ,  200  may be a surface that is provided longitudinally past a ferrule associated with such conveying member  100 ,  200 . 
     Additionally, in embodiments, the coupling assembly may include one or more seals (such as O-rings  90 ) and/or a sleeve  92  (which may be annular and may be provided between a portion of the coupler half  20  and portions (e.g., portions  102  and/or  202 ) of the fluid conveying members  100 ,  200 . Examples of O-rings  90  that may be included and may provide sealing are shown in  FIG. 12 —with the O-rings  90  included within ferrules (radially extending, generally U-shaped portions) provided at or about the ends of the conveying members  100 ,  200 . Such O-rings  90  may be substantially continuous (a full 360 degrees without separation), may be provided in the ferrules prior to the connection of the coupler  10  to the conveying members  100 ,  200 , may be configured to provide sealing between the connected components, and/or may not provide or be part of an intended conductive path. 
     With embodiments, as generally illustrated by flow arrows (arrows F 1  through F 7 ) shown in  FIG. 9 , an electrical conductivity path may be provided across the coupler (and coupling assembly). In the depicted path, an electrical charge may be dissipated from a portion  102  of a first fluid conveying member  100 , through a first conductive gasket  70   a , through a coupler half  20 , through a second conductive gasket  70   b , and on to a portion  202  of a second fluid conveying member  200 . With such a configuration an electrostatic charge may be conducted from one fluid conveying member to another/connected fluid conveying member. 
     Various embodiments are described herein for various apparatuses, systems, and/or methods. Numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the embodiments as described in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the art, however, that the embodiments may be practiced without such specific details. In other instances, well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described in the specification. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting examples, and thus it can be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and do not necessarily limit the scope of the embodiments. 
     Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “with embodiments,” “in embodiments,” or “an embodiment,” or the like, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments,” “with embodiments,” “in embodiments,” or “an embodiment,” or the like, in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment/example may be combined, in whole or in part, with the features, structures, functions, and/or characteristics of one or more other embodiments/examples without limitation given that such combination is not illogical or non-functional. Moreover, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope thereof. 
     It should be understood that references to a single element are not necessarily so limited and may include one or more of such element. Any directional references (e.g., plus, minus, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader&#39;s understanding of the present disclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of embodiments. 
     Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected/coupled and in fixed relation to each other. The use of “e.g.” in the specification is to be construed broadly and is used to provide non-limiting examples of embodiments of the disclosure, and the disclosure is not limited to such examples. Uses of “and” and “or” are to be construed broadly (e.g., to be treated as “and/or”). For example and without limitation, uses of “and” do not necessarily require all elements or features listed, and uses of “or” are intended to be inclusive unless such a construction would be illogical. 
     While processes, systems, and methods may be described herein in connection with one or more steps in a particular sequence, it should be understood that such methods may be practiced with the steps in a different order, with certain steps performed simultaneously, with additional steps, and/or with certain described steps omitted. 
     It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the present disclosure.