Fluid couplings and methods for additive manufacturing thereof

Abstract

A method is provided involving an additive manufacturing system. This method includes a step of forming a first fluid conduit using the additive manufacturing system. The method also includes a step of providing a fluid coupling. The fluid coupling includes the first fluid conduit and a second fluid conduit. The first fluid conduit is connected to and fluidly coupled with the second fluid conduit. The first fluid conduit has a first configuration. The second fluid conduit has a second configuration that is different than the first configuration.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An assembly for a fluid delivery system, the assembly comprising:
 a fluid coupling including a first fluid conduit, a second fluid conduit and a compliant intermediate fluid conduit;   the intermediate fluid conduit connecting and fluidly coupling the first fluid conduit to the second fluid conduit; and   the intermediate fluid conduit formed integral with the first fluid conduit and the second fluid conduit.   
     
     
         2 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the intermediate fluid conduit is adapted to allow movement between the first and the second fluid conduits. 
     
     
         3 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the intermediate fluid conduit extends along a substantially straight centerline. 
     
     
         4 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the intermediate fluid conduit extends along a curved and/or compound centerline. 
     
     
         5 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein
 the first fluid conduit has a first configuration; and   the second fluid conduit has a second configuration that is different than the first configuration.   
     
     
         6 . The assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a fluid source; and   a turbine engine component fluidly coupled to the fluid source through the fluid coupling.   
     
     
         7 . An assembly for a fluid delivery system, the assembly comprising:
 a fluid coupling including a first fluid conduit and a second fluid conduit;   the first fluid conduit connected to and fluidly coupled with the second fluid conduit at a joint; and   the first fluid conduit interlocked with the second fluid conduit at the joint.   
     
     
         8 . The assembly of  claim 7 , wherein the first fluid conduit is formed integral with the second fluid conduit.