Patent Publication Number: US-2020278062-A1

Title: Fluid coupling

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/812,389, filed on Mar. 1, 2019, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as though fully set forth herein. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates to fluid couplings, including fluid couplings that may, for example, be used in connection with aircraft. 
     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. 
     Some fluid couplings may not be configured for use with high pressures, high temperatures, and/or high bending torques, and may include short fatigue lives. 
     There is a desire for solutions/options that minimize or eliminate one or more challenges or shortcomings of fluid couplings. The foregoing discussion is intended only to illustrate examples of the present field and is not a disavowal of scope. 
     SUMMARY 
     In embodiments, a fluid coupling may include a body including a plurality of segments and one or more links connecting the segments in a substantially annular configuration. At least one of the one or more links may be adjustable to modify a diameter of the body. The body may have a substantially U-shaped a cross-section with a first tapered portion, a second tapered portion, a first planar portion, a second planar portion, and/or a third planar portion. The body may include a first rounded corned and a second rounded corner. The first planar portion may be disposed substantially between the first tapered portion and the first rounded corner, the second planar portion may be disposed substantially between the first rounded corner and the second rounded corner, and/or the third planar portion may be disposed substantially between the second rounded corner and the second tapered portion. 
     The foregoing and other potential aspects, features, details, utilities, and/or advantages of examples/embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent from reading the following description, and from reviewing the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       While the claims are not limited to a specific illustration, an appreciation of various aspects may be gained through a discussion of various examples. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and certain features may be exaggerated or hidden to better illustrate and explain an innovative aspect of an example. Further, the exemplary illustrations described herein are not exhaustive or otherwise limiting, and are not restricted to the precise form and configuration shown in the drawings or disclosed in the following detailed description. Exemplary illustrations are described in detail by referring to the drawings as follows: 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of a fluid system according to teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of a fluid coupling according to teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view generally illustrating an embodiment of a fluid coupling according to teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view generally illustrating an embodiment of a fluid coupling according to teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is a side view generally illustrating an embodiment of a fluid coupling according to teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view generally illustrating portions of an embodiment of a fluid coupling according to teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view generally illustrating portions of embodiments of a fluid coupling, a first fluid conduit, a second fluid conduit, and a seal according to teachings of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view generally illustrating portions of embodiments of a fluid coupling, a first fluid conduit, a second fluid conduit, and a seal according to teachings of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     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, they do not limit the present disclosure to these embodiments and/or examples. On the contrary, the present disclosure covers alternatives, modifications, and equivalents. 
     In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a fluid system  10  may include a first fluid conduit  12 , a second fluid conduit  14 , a seal  16 , and/or a fluid coupling  20 . The first fluid conduit  12  and/or the second fluid conduit  14  may include one or more of a variety of shapes, sizes, configurations, and/or materials. For example and without limitation, the first fluid conduit  12  and the second fluid conduit  14  may be rigid metal ducts that may include cylindrical configurations and that may include a first flange  30  and a second flange  32 , respectively. The flanges  30 ,  32  may be integrally formed and/or connected to the fluid conduits  12 ,  14 , such as at or about ends of the fluid conduits  12 ,  14 . The first fluid conduit  12 , the second fluid conduit  14 , the seal  16 , and/or the fluid coupling  20  may be configured for use with high-temperature and/or high-pressure fluids. For example and without limitation, the first fluid conduit  12 , the second fluid conduit  14 , the seal  16 , and/or the fluid coupling  20  may be configured for use with aircraft bleed air and may be configured for use with fluid pressures of at least 750 psig and/or fluid temperatures of at least 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. The seal  16  and/or the fluid coupling  20  may be configured to connect the first fluid conduit  12  with the second fluid conduit  14  in a sealed manner. The fluid system  10  may be configured as and/or integrated with an aircraft bleed air system. 
     With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a fluid coupling  20  may include an axis  20 A and/or a body  40 . The body  40  may include one or more segments  42  and/or one or more links  44  that may connect the one or more segments  42 . The one or more segments  42  may, for example and without limitation, include three segments (e.g., segments  42   1 ,  42   2 ,  42   3 ) and/or arcuate configurations. The one or more links  44  may include three links (e.g., links  44   1 ,  44   2 ,  44   3 ) and/or may connect the segments  42  in a substantially annular configuration. The segments  42  may include lugs  46  that may be configured for connection with the one or more links  44 , such as via fasteners  48  (e.g., rivets). The fasteners  48  may be connected to the lugs  46  and the links  44  (e.g., may extend through the lugs  46  and the links  44 ). The segments  42  may be connected such that a circumferential gap G is present between adjacent segments  42 . The gaps G may be configured to at least partially receive tabs  30 A,  32 A of the flanges  30 ,  32  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 1 ). The links  44  may be rotatably connected to the segments  42 , such as via the fasteners  48 . 
     In embodiments, the links  44  may, for example and without limitation, include a curved or angled configuration (e.g., may be curved links). A curvature of curved links  44  may be configured to accommodate and/or receive tabs  30 A,  32 A of the flanges  30 ,  32 . In environments where more extreme operating conditions may be possible or expected, the tabs  30 A,  32 A of the flanges  30 ,  32  may be larger (e.g., longer in the radial direction) than tabs of other flanges. The longer tabs  30 A,  32 A may be configured to restrict and/or prevent other types of couplings (e.g., couplings that are not configured for high stress applications, such as AS1895 Type 1 and Type 2 couplings) from being connected to the flanges  30 ,  32 . For example and without limitation, the longer tabs  30 A,  32 A may prevent Type 1 or Type 2 couplings from latching onto the flanges  30 ,  32 . 
     In embodiments, curved links  44  may be configured to deform or deflect (e.g., straighten out) at least to some degree, such as when subjected to high stress. The curvature/angle may allow for additional deformation, which may provide stress relief prior to shearing of the lugs  46 /fasteners  48  and/or other failure of the fluid coupling  20 . 
     With embodiments, one or more of the links  44  may be configured as an adjustable link (see, e.g., link  44   3 ). An adjustable link  44   3  may be configured to adjust an inner diameter of the fluid coupling  20 , such as to reduce the inner diameter and clamp the fluid coupling  20  onto the fluid conduits  12 ,  14  (e.g., onto the flanges  30 ,  32 ). An adjustable link  44   3  may, for example and without limitation, include a screw and nut arrangement  50  that may be screwed together (or unscrewed) to adjust the distance between two adjacent segments  42  (e.g., segments  42   2 ,  42   3 ) of the body  40 , which may adjust the inner diameter of the fluid coupling  20  and/or adjust a clamping force of the fluid coupling  20 . 
     With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the lugs  46  of a segment  42  may be offset from the end of the segment  42 , such as by a circumferential distance D. With higher load specifications/expectations, larger fasteners  48  may be utilized to withstand shear loads and larger lugs  46  may be utilized with the larger fasteners  48 . Larger lugs  46  may result in more of a rotational effect that may increase stress at the end of the segment  42 . Offsetting the lugs  46  from the end of the segment  42  may reduce the stress at the end of the segment  42  and/or at least partially compensate for the increased lug size. The lugs  46  of a segment  42  may, for example and without limitation, be offset from the end of the segment  42  by about 8% to about 12%, such as about 10%, of the length of the segment  42 . With embodiments, for example and without limitation, a segment  42  may include an arcuate extent of about 100 degrees to about 120 degrees (see, e.g., angle θ 1 ), such as about 112 degrees, and the lugs  46  may be offset from the end of the segment  42  by about 9 degrees to about 13 degrees (see, e.g., angle θ 2 ), such as about 11 degrees. The links  44  may be offset in a radial direction from an outer surface  52  of the segments  42  and/or may only contact the segments  42  at or about the lugs  46 , such as when the fluid coupling  20  is clamped with the fluid conduits  12 ,  14 . The outer surface  52  may be substantially rectangular and/or may not include portions that are significantly rounded or curved. 
     With embodiments, such as generally illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , a fluid coupling  20 ′ may include a body  40 ′ having a plurality of segments  42 ′ that may be connected via respective links  44 ′. The links  44 ′ may be connected to the segments  42 ′ via lugs  46 ′ and fasteners  48 ′ (e.g., rivets). The lugs  46 ′ may be offset from the ends of the segments  42 ′. The lugs  46 ′ of a segment  42 ′ may, for example and without limitation, be offset from the end of the segment  42 ′ by about 20% to about 30%, such as about 24%, of the length of the segment  42 . With embodiments, for example and without limitation, a segment  42 ′ may include an arcuate extent of about 100 degrees to about 120 degrees (see, e.g., angle θ 3 ), such as about 116 degrees, and the lugs  46 ′ may be offset from the end of the segment  42 ′ by about 25 degrees to about 30 degrees (see, e.g., angle θ 4 ), such as about 28 degrees. The links  44 ′ may be substantially in contact with an outer surface  52 ′ of the segments  42 ′. The outer surface  52 ′ of the segments  42 ′ may include one or more rounded or curved portions  54 . 
     In embodiments, such as generally illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the body  40 ,  40 ′ of a fluid coupling  20 ,  20 ′ (e.g., the segments  42 ,  42 ′) may include a substantially U-shaped configuration (e.g., cross-sectional shape) that may open radially inward. The body  40 ,  40 ′ may include a recess/channel  60  that may be configured to at least partially receive and/or retain the first flange  30  and the second flange  32  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 7 and 8 ), such as to restrict and/or prevent relative movement between the first fluid conduit  12  and the second fluid conduit  14 . 
     In embodiments, the body  40 ,  40 ′ (e.g., the segments  42 ,  42 ′) may include a first tapered portion  62 , a second tapered portion  64 , a first planar portion  66 , a second planar portion  68 , a third planar portion  70 , a first rounded corner  72 , a second rounded corner  74 , a third rounded corner  76 , and/or a fourth rounded corner  78 . The first tapered portion  62 , the first planar portion  66 , the first rounded corner  72 , and/or the fourth rounded corner  78  may be disposed at or about a first side  100  of the body  40 ,  40 ′. The second tapered portion  64 , the third planar portion  70 , the second rounded corner  74 , and/or the third rounded corner  76  may be disposed at or about a second side  102  of the body  40 ,  40 ′ that may be opposite the first side  100 . The second planar portion  68  may be disposed at or about a middle of the body  40 ,  40 ′, such as between (or at a junction of) the first side  100  and the second side  102 . The third rounded corner  76  and/or the fourth rounded corner  78  may be external corners that may be disposed at an inner surface  104  of the body  40 ,  40 ′ and/or that may contact the second fluid conduit  14  and the first fluid conduit  12 , respectively. 
     With embodiments, the first tapered portion  62  may extend from the fourth rounded corner  78 , such as in a substantially radially outward direction. The first tapered portion  62  may extend at an angle θ 5  relative to the radial direction. The angle θ 5  may, for example and without limitation, be about 15 degrees to about 25 degrees, such as about 19 degrees. The first planar portion  66  may extend from the first tapered portion  62 . The first planar portion  66  may be substantially parallel with the radial direction and/or the circumferential direction. The first rounded corner  72  may be disposed at or about an end of the first planar portion  66 . The first planar portion  66  may be referred to as a step portion and/or may function as a step or intermediate portion between the first tapered portion  62  and the first rounded corner  72 . The second planar portion  68  may extend from the first rounded corner  72 , such as in a substantially axial direction. The second planar portion  68  may be substantially parallel with the axial direction and/or the circumferential direction. The second planar portion  68  may extend from the first rounded corner  72  to the second rounded corner  74 . The second rounded corner  74  may be disposed opposite the first rounded corner  72 . The third planar portion  70  may extend from the second rounded corner  74 , such as in a substantially radial direction. The third planar portion  70  may be substantially parallel with the radial direction, the circumferential direction, and/or the first planar portion  66 . The second tapered portion  64  may extend from the third planar portion  70  to the third rounded corner  76 . The third planar portion  70  may be referred to as a step portion and/or may function as a step or intermediate portion between the second tapered portion  64  and the second rounded corner  74 . The second tapered portion  64  may extend between the third rounded corner  76  and the third planar portion  70 , such as in a substantially radially outward direction. The second tapered portion  64  may extend at an angle θ 6  relative to the radial direction. The angle θ 6  may, for example and without limitation, be about 15 degrees to about 25 degrees, such as about 19 degrees. 
     With embodiments, the first tapered portion  62  may include a length L 1 , the first planar portion  66  may include a length L 2 , the second planar portion  68  may include a length L 3 , the third planar portion  70  may include a length L 4 , and/or the second tapered portion  64  may include a length L 5 . The first rounded corner  72  may include a radius R 1 , the second rounded corner  74  may include a radius R 2 , the third rounded corner  76  may include a radius R 3 , and/or the fourth rounded corner  78  may include a radius R 4 . The body  40 ,  40 ′ (e.g., the segments  42 ,  42 ′) may include a width W 1  (e.g., in the axial direction) and/or a length L 6  (e.g., in the radial direction). The recess  60  may include a depth D 1  (e.g., in the radial direction). The recess  60  may include a width W 2  (e.g., between the first planar portion  66  and the third planar portion  70 . The body  40 ,  40 ′ (e.g., the segments  42 ,  42 ′) may include a length L 7  between the outer radial end of the recess  60  and the outer end of the body  40 ,  40 ′. The length L 7  may be equal to the length L 6  less the depth D 1 . Non-limiting examples of possible values of lengths L 1 -L 7 , radii R 1 -R 4 , widths W 1 , W 2 , and depth D 1  are provided in Table 1. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Dimension 
                 Value (in) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 R 1   
                 0.1 
               
               
                   
                 R 2   
                 0.1 
               
               
                   
                 R 3   
                 0.04 
               
               
                   
                 R 4   
                 0.04 
               
               
                   
                 L 1   
                 0.11 
               
               
                   
                 L 2   
                 0.04 
               
               
                   
                 L 3   
                 0.12 
               
               
                   
                 L 4   
                 0.04 
               
               
                   
                 L 5   
                 0.11 
               
               
                   
                 L 6   
                 0.45 
               
               
                   
                 L 7   
                 0.2 
               
               
                   
                 W 1   
                 0.63 
               
               
                   
                 W 2   
                 0.32 
               
               
                   
                 D 1   
                 0.25 
               
               
                   
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     In embodiments, the first planar portion  66  and/or the third planar portion  70  may be shorter than the second planar portion  68 . The first planar portion  66  and/or the third planar portion  70  may be shorter than the first tapered portion  62  and/or the second tapered portion  64 . The second planar portion  68  may be at least twice as long as the first planar portion  66 . The radius R 1  of the first rounded corner  72  may be greater than about 0.05 inches, such as about 0.1 inches. The radius R 3  of the third rounded corner  76  may be smaller (e.g., at least 40% smaller) than the radius R 1  of the first rounded corner  72 . 
     In embodiments, the first planar portion  66  and the third planar portions  70  may be configured to permit the first rounded corner  72  and the second rounded corner  74  to have relatively large radii R 1 , R 2 , such as while maintaining at least a minimum length L 3  of the second planar portion  68 . A minimum length L 3  of the second planar portion  68  may correspond to the widths of the first flange  30  and the second flange  32 . For example and without limitation, maintaining large radii R 1 , R 2 , and/or a minimum length L 3  of the second planar portion  68  may limit and/or prevent significant interference between outer ends of the flanges  30 ,  32  and the rounded corners  72 ,  74 , which may limit stress at or about the rounded corners  72 ,  74 . The flanges  30 ,  32  may be compliant with the AS1895 standard. 
     With embodiments, a thickness of the fluid coupling  20  may be determined, at least in part, via the width W 1  of the body  40 ,  40 ′ and the length L 7 . Merely increasing either or both of these dimensions may not sufficiently improve the overall robustness or fatigue life of the fluid coupling  20  (e.g., allow the fluid coupling  20  to withstand increased pressures, bending torques, and/or temperatures for a significant number of cycles). For example and without limitation, increasing the width W 1  and/or the length L 7  (e.g., relative to other dimensions) may increase the stress at the rounded corners  72 ,  74 , such as due to a stress concentration effect. Such increased stress could make the fluid coupling  20  more susceptible to fracture and/or result in a shorter fatigue life. 
     Embodiments of a fluid coupling  20 , which may include a stepped recess  60  (e.g., with planar portions  66 ,  70 ), may be more robust and/or include a longer fatigue life than other couplings. For example and without limitation, other couplings, such as those without a stepped recess, may have a fatigue life of and/or be susceptible to failure at or about 80,000 use cycles/tests. In contrast, embodiments of fluid couplings  20  may have a significantly longer fatigue life and/or may withstand significantly more cycles, such as at least about 4,000,000 use cycles/tests (e.g., 50 times as many use cycles/tests). 
     With embodiments, a method of connecting a fluid coupling  20  with fluid conduits  12 ,  14  may include providing a first fluid conduit  12 , a second fluid conduit  14 , and/or a fluid coupling  20 . The first fluid conduit  12  and the second fluid conduit  14  may be moved such that a first flange  30  of the first fluid conduit  12  and a second flange  32  of the second fluid conduit  14  are aligned, connected, adjacent, and/or engaged with each other. The fluid coupling  20  may be disposed about the flanges  30 ,  32  such that a recess/channel  60  of the fluid coupling  20  is substantially aligned with the flanges  30 ,  32 . The fluid coupling  20  may be clamped onto the flanges  30 ,  32  and/or the fluid conduits  12 ,  14 , such as via an adjustable link  44   3  that may be configured to adjust the inner diameter of the fluid coupling  20 . The fluid coupling  20  may be tightened until a threshold torque and/or clamping force is achieved. In a tightened and/or clamped configuration, the flanges  30 ,  32  may be disposed at least partially in curved corners  72 ,  74  of the recess  60  such that stress generated by the flanges  30 ,  32  at or about the curved corners  72 ,  74  is minimized (see, e.g.,  FIG. 8 ). In a tightened and/or clamped configuration, the flanges  30 ,  32  may be disposed at least partially between (e.g., in an axial direction) opposing planar portions  66 ,  70  that may be substantially parallel to each other. 
     In embodiments, a fluid coupling  20  may be connected to flanges  30 ,  32  of fluid conduits  12 ,  14  such that a clamping force F is applied by the fluid coupling  20  to the flanges  30 ,  32  at or about corresponding mating surfaces  30 B,  32 B of the flanges  30 ,  32  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 8 ). The mating surfaces  30 B,  32 B may be offset from (e.g., radially inward of) outer ends of the flanges  30 ,  32 . For example and without limitation, the mating surfaces  30 B,  32 B may be disposed in a middle section (e.g., a middle 60% or so) of the flanges  30 ,  32 . 
     While embodiments of a fluid coupling  20 ,  20 ′ are generally illustrated with three segments  42 ,  42 ′, fluid couplings  20 ,  20 ′ may include greater or fewer segments  42 ,  42 ′. 
     In embodiments, the first fluid conduit  12 , the second fluid conduit  14 , and/or the fluid coupling  20 ,  20 ′ may be configured for fluid pressures of at least 750 psig, temperatures of at least 1000 degrees Fahrenheit, and/or at least 15,000 in-lbs of bending torque. 
     In embodiments, the fluid couplings  20 ,  20 ′ may be configured to effectively extend the capabilities of AS1895 flanges for higher/more extreme operating conditions without modification of the flanges. Modification of the AS1895 flanges may involve creating a new industry standard, which may be time-consuming, inefficient, and/or expensive. Fluid conduits with AS1895 flanges may be compatible with higher pressures and temperatures, but other coupling designs may not be. Utilizing embodiments of the fluid couplings  20 ,  20 ′ with AS1895 flanges may provide a fluid system configured for use with pressures, temperatures, and/or bending torques significantly above the AS1985 requirements. 
     Various examples/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 examples/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 examples/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 examples/embodiments described in the specification. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the examples/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 “examples, “in examples,” “with examples,” “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 example/embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “examples, “in examples,” “with examples,” “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 examples/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 examples/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 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. 
     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.