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Publication Number
US-10544887-B2
Publication Date
2020-01-28
Expiration Date
Abstract
A tube has a tube body. In the tube body, at least one high-pressure lumen and at least one low-pressure lumen are embedded. The at least one high-pressure lumen and the at least one low-pressure lumen are embedded in the tube body as a bundle configured as a lumen bundle. As a result, a tube body is obtained that is flexibly adaptable to various conditions of use.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a polymer tube body in which at least one high-pressure (HP) lumen and at least one low-pressure (LP) lumen are embedded as a bundle configured as a lumen bundle. The lumen bundle is arranged within the tube body such that spatial configurations are possible, including a central HP lumen with radially outer LP lumina, or multiple HP lumina in radially inner regions.
The document further discloses optional structural arrangements for the lumen bundle, including a sheathing around the lumen bundle. The sheathing can be polymeric or a metal net, and may be configured to transmit signals, for example for a sensor and signal receiver.
The document also describes optional monotube reinforcement and embedded metal strands around the HP lumen wall, including reinforcement and metal-strand behavior such as tensile force absorption and Bowden-cable behavior. An optional working lumen is incorporated as part of the lumen bundle and may be arranged using LP lumina as a working, guide, or flushing duct.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim defines a tube with a polymer tube body embedding HP and LP lumina as a lumen bundle. Dependent claims refine the structure with specific lumen counts and positions, optional sheathing and signal transmission, optional reinforcement of lumina, and optional working lumen within the lumen bundle.
Polymer tube body with embedded HP and LP lumina bundle
A tube comprising a tube body of a polymer in which at least one high-pressure (HP) lumen and at least one low-pressure (LP) lumen are embedded, wherein the at least one HP lumen and the at least one LP lumen are embedded in the tube body as a bundle configured as a lumen bundle.
Centrally extending HP lumen
A tube according to the preceding disclosure including exactly one HP lumen extending centrally through the tube.
Radially inner-region HP lumina
A tube according to the preceding disclosure including at least two HP lumina extending in a radially inner region of the tube cross-section.
Sheathing surrounding the lumen bundle
A tube according to the preceding disclosure including a lumen bundle surrounded by a sheathing embedded in the tube body.
Signal-transmitting sheathing
A tube according to the preceding disclosure in which the sheathing is configured to transmit signals.
Reinforcement of lumina
A tube according to the preceding disclosure in which at least one of its lumina is reinforced.
Across the claim coverage shown, the core inventive structure is the embedding of HP and LP lumina as a lumen bundle in a polymer tube body, with further refinements including specific central or radially inner HP lumen arrangements, optional sheathing around the lumen bundle, optional signal transmission, and optional reinforcement of lumina.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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