Liukuputkia

Liukuputkia is a term used in Finnish engineering to describe retractable or sliding tubes that can extend or retract within a guiding housing. The concept covers conduits, hoses, cables, and tools designed to move linearly while maintaining protection and organization of the contents. Liukuputkia enable flexible routing in tight spaces such as machinery bays, robot joints, and mobile platforms.

Etymology: The word combines liuku, glide or slip, with putki, tube, reflecting the function of smooth, extended tubes.

Construction and variants: Most systems include an inner tube or assembly that slides within a reinforced outer shell or guide. End connectors provide fluid or electrical interfaces. Actuation can be mechanical (manual or spring-return), pneumatic, or hydraulic, and the movement is guided by low-friction bearings, gears, or sliding seals. Materials range from stainless steel and aluminum to reinforced polymers, chosen for strength, corrosion resistance, and weight.

Applications: In robotics, Liukuputkia serve as extendable conduits for end-effectors, tools, or sensors. In automotive and aerospace, they appear in retractable piping or cable management. Industrial automation uses them to create adjustable-length piping trains, while maintenance uses temporary slide tubes for testing and adaptation.

See also: Telescoping tube, retractable conduit, flexible hose assembly.