Elastic deformation pipeline

Abstract

The invention provides an elastic deformation pipeline which comprises a rubber pipe body and an elastic net, the elastic net is embedded in the rubber pipe body, the elastic net comprises annular rings and elastic pieces, the annular rings are arranged at intervals in the axial direction of the rubber pipe body, and the elastic pieces are arranged between every two adjacent annular rings. Each elastic piece comprises a connecting section and a deformation section. The two connecting sections are fixedly connected with the annular ring, the deformation section is arranged between the two connecting sections, and the deformation section can elastically deform in the axial direction of the rubber pipe body. According to the elastic deformation pipeline, the annular ring and the elastic piece are embedded in the rubber pipe body, the deformation function is borne by the internal elastic piece, the sealing and protecting functions are provided by the rubber pipe body, the deformation section of the elastic piece is specially used for axial elastic deformation, and the connecting section and the annular ring form a stable force transmission path; and the structural integrity of the pipeline is kept in multiple times of telescopic circulation, and the deformation recovery capacity is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of pipeline technology, and more particularly to an elastically deformable pipeline. Background Technology

[0002] The fluid media transported through pipelines typically undergo cyclical changes in high and low temperatures. Ships, pumps, and other equipment operating at high power levels transmit high-pressure fluids, leading to increased circumferential loads on the pipelines and causing axial tensile and compressive deformation and displacement. Over long-term service, this results in pipeline damage. Therefore, pipelines designed for high-pressure fluid transportation must possess high elastic deformation recovery capabilities.

[0003] To address this, related technologies incorporate multi-layered corrugated metal pipes within the pipe body as deformation compensation components, relying on their flexible structure to compensate for pipe deformation and displacement. However, pipes require frequent expansion and contraction during use, but corrugated pipes, once deformed to a certain extent, are prone to "not returning to their original shape" or fatigue damage, making it difficult to further improve deformation recovery capabilities and failing to meet the demand for long-term elastic compensation under high pressure and strong displacement conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides an elastically deformable pipe to address the shortcomings of related technologies where the pipe body with embedded corrugated pipe has insufficient elastic recovery capability under high pressure and large displacement conditions, thereby improving the elastic recovery capability of the elastically deformable pipe.

[0005] This invention provides an elastically deformable conduit, comprising: Rubber tube body; An elastic mesh, embedded within the rubber tube, comprises annular rings and elastic elements. Multiple annular rings are spaced apart along the axial direction of the rubber tube. Elastic elements are positioned between adjacent annular rings. Multiple elastic elements are spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the rubber tube. Each elastic element includes: Both connecting segments are fixedly connected to the annular ring; A deformable section is provided between the two connecting sections, and the deformable section is capable of elastic deformation along the axial direction of the rubber tube.

[0006] In some embodiments, the deformable segment includes: The first and second sections are arranged symmetrically on both sides of the cross-section of the rubber tube.

[0007] In some embodiments, both the first segment and the second segment include at least one curved portion or a broken line portion.

[0008] In some embodiments, two adjacent elastic elements in the circumferential direction of the rubber tube are arranged symmetrically on both sides of the longitudinal section of the rubber tube.

[0009] In some embodiments, the deformed segment is U-shaped or V-shaped.

[0010] In some embodiments, the elastic element is Ω-shaped.

[0011] In some embodiments, the elastic mesh is a shape memory alloy elastic mesh.

[0012] In some embodiments, the connecting segment is straight.

[0013] In some embodiments, the outer surface of the rubber tube is provided with an anti-corrosion coating or a wear-resistant layer.

[0014] In some embodiments, the rubber tube body is provided with flange joints or quick-connect joints at both ends for detachable connection with external pipelines.

[0015] The elastic deformation pipe of this invention, by embedding an annular ring and an elastic element within the rubber tube, allows the deformation function to be undertaken by the internal elastic element, while the sealing and protection functions are provided by the rubber tube body. The deformation section of the elastic element is dedicated to axial elastic deformation, and the connecting section and the annular ring form a stable force transmission path, enabling the pipe to maintain structural integrity during multiple expansion and contraction cycles and improving its deformation recovery capability. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the elastic deformation pipe provided by the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the elastic element of the elastic deformation pipe provided by the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the deformation state of the elastic deformation pipe provided by the present invention.

[0020] Figure label: 100. Elastic deformation pipe; 1. Rubber tube body; 2. Elastic mesh; 3. Annular ring; 4. Elastic element; 5. Connecting section; 6. Deformation section; 7. First section; 8. Second section. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0022] The following is based on Figures 1 to 3 The elastically deformable pipe 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0023] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the elastic deformable conduit 100 of this embodiment includes a rubber tube body 1 and an elastic mesh 2. The elastic mesh 2 is embedded inside the rubber tube body 1. The elastic mesh 2 includes annular rings 3 and elastic elements 4. Multiple annular rings 3 are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the rubber tube body 1. The elastic elements 4 are disposed between two adjacent annular rings 3. Multiple elastic elements 4 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the rubber tube body 1. Each elastic element 4 includes a connecting section 5 and a deformable section 6. Both connecting sections 5 are fixedly connected to the annular rings 3. The deformable section 6 is disposed between two connecting sections 5 and can elastically deform along the axial direction of the rubber tube body 1.

[0024] When the piping system experiences axial displacement due to temperature or pressure changes, the rubber tube 1 deforms as a whole under the external load, and the internal elastic net 2 is subsequently stressed. At this time, the deformable segment 6 in the elastic element 4 bends or extends under axial tension or compression, absorbing and storing deformation energy. When the external load is removed, the deformable segment 6 recovers its original shape through its own elasticity, causing the rubber tube 1 to return to its original position, thus compensating for and restoring the axial displacement. The annular ring 3 acts as a support unit, maintaining the overall geometric stability of the elastic net 2 and ensuring that multiple elastic elements 4 work together.

[0025] The fluid media transported through pipelines typically undergo cyclical changes in high and low temperatures. Ships, pumps, and other equipment operating at high power levels transmit high-pressure fluids, leading to increased circumferential loads on the pipelines and causing axial tensile and compressive deformation and displacement. Over long-term service, this results in pipeline damage. Therefore, pipelines designed for high-pressure fluid transportation must possess high elastic deformation recovery capabilities.

[0026] To address this, related technologies incorporate multi-layered corrugated metal pipes within the pipe body as deformation compensation components, relying on their flexible structure to compensate for pipe deformation and displacement. However, pipes require frequent expansion and contraction during use, but corrugated pipes, once deformed to a certain extent, are prone to "not returning to their original shape" or fatigue damage, making it difficult to further improve deformation recovery capabilities and failing to meet the demand for long-term elastic compensation under high pressure and strong displacement conditions.

[0027] The elastically deformable conduit 100 of this invention, by embedding an annular ring 3 and an elastic element 4 inside a rubber tube body 1, allows the deformation function to be undertaken by the internal elastic element 4, while the sealing and protection functions are provided by the rubber tube body 1. The deformable section 6 of the elastic element 4 is dedicated to axial elastic deformation, and the connecting section 5 and the annular ring 3 form a stable force transmission path, enabling the conduit to maintain structural integrity during multiple expansion and contraction cycles and improving its deformation recovery capability.

[0028] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the deformable segment 6 includes a first segment 7 and a second segment 8. The first segment 7 and the second segment 8 are arranged symmetrically on both sides of the cross-section of the rubber tube body 1.

[0029] In this embodiment, the deformable segment 6 is divided into a first segment 7 and a second segment 8 located on both sides of the cross-section of the rubber tube 1. The two segments are symmetrically arranged with respect to the cross-section of the rubber tube 1, which is the cross-section perpendicular to the centerline of the rubber tube 1. When the elastic deformable pipe 100 undergoes axial deformation, the first segment 7 and the second segment 8 are simultaneously subjected to force and deform, so that the load is distributed as evenly as possible along the axial direction of the rubber tube 1, avoiding local stress concentration or off-center loading caused by structural asymmetry.

[0030] The elastic deformation pipe 100 of this invention, by symmetrically arranging the first section 7 and the second section 8, makes the deformation distribution of the elastic element 4 uniform when stretched or compressed, which helps to maintain the stability of the rubber tube body 1 in cyclic deformation.

[0031] It should be noted that the first segment 7 and the second segment 8 are not a straight line as a whole.

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, both the first segment 7 and the second segment 8 include at least one curved portion or a broken line portion.

[0033] In this embodiment, the first segment 7 and the second segment 8 each include one or more curved portions (such as arc transitions) or broken lines (such as angled structures). These geometric features provide the deformable segment 6 with a flexible region that can be buckled, and deformation preferentially occurs under axial load.

[0034] The elastic deformation pipe 100 of this invention uses the curved or broken section as a strain concentration area to guide deformation to occur at a preset position, avoids fatigue damage caused by random stress distribution, and improves the controllability of deformation of the elastic element 4 under multiple cycles.

[0035] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, two adjacent elastic elements 4 in the circumferential direction of the rubber tube 1 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the longitudinal section of the rubber tube 1.

[0036] In this embodiment, two adjacent elastic elements 4 along the circumference of the rubber tube 1 are symmetrically arranged with respect to the longitudinal section of the rubber tube 1. The longitudinal section of the rubber tube 1 is the section passing through the centerline of the rubber tube 1.

[0037] The elastic deformation pipe 100 of this invention arranges two circumferentially adjacent elastic elements 4 symmetrically on both sides of the longitudinal section of the rubber pipe body 1. When the rubber pipe body 1 is subjected to internal pressure or external radial force, the load can be borne by the symmetrically distributed elastic elements 4, avoiding deformation in local areas due to insufficient support, thereby improving the overall circumferential load-bearing stability of the pipe.

[0038] In some embodiments, the deformed segment 6 is U-shaped or V-shaped.

[0039] In this embodiment, the overall outline of the deformable segment 6 is U-shaped (smooth bottom) or V-shaped (sharp bottom), with its open end connecting two connecting segments 5 and its closed end free, allowing it to retract inward under axial compression and expand outward under tension. The elastic deformable pipe 100 of this embodiment uses a U-shape or V-shape as the basic form of the deformable segment 6, resulting in a simple structure and a clear deformation path, thus meeting the deformation requirements of the elastic deformable pipe 100.

[0040] In some embodiments, the elastic element 4 is Ω-shaped. In this embodiment, the entire elastic element 4 is Ω-shaped, with a protruding arc-shaped deformation section 6 in the middle and vertical connecting sections 5 on both sides, directly connected to the annular ring 3. In the elastic deformation pipe 100 of this embodiment, the Ω-shaped elastic element 4 integrates the deformation section 6 and the connecting sections 5 into one unit. During axial deformation, the deformation section 6 bears the main strain, while the connecting sections 5 on both sides maintain stable support, which is beneficial to improving fatigue life.

[0041] In some embodiments, the elastic mesh 2 is a shape memory alloy elastic mesh 2.

[0042] In this embodiment, the annular ring 3 and elastic element 4 constituting the elastic net 2 are made of shape memory alloy material, which has the ability to recover the original shape after large strain, and has high strength and corrosion resistance.

[0043] The elastic deformable pipe 100 of this invention uses a shape memory alloy to make an elastic mesh 2, which can reliably return to its original position after undergoing large axial deformation, avoiding permanent deformation caused by plastic accumulation in traditional metals, and extending the service life of the elastic deformable pipe 100 under frequent expansion and contraction conditions.

[0044] Optionally, the elastic mesh 2 is made of copper-based superelastic shape memory alloy and formed using laser additive manufacturing. The elastic mesh 2 is not manufactured using welding processes, thereby avoiding localized stress concentrations that occur during welding.

[0045] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the connecting segment 5 is straight. In this embodiment, the connecting segment 5 is straight, with one end fixed to the annular ring 3 and the other end connected to the deformable segment 6. In this embodiment of the elastic deformable conduit 100, the straight connecting segment 5 reduces unnecessary bends, lowers the risk of stress concentration, and ensures that the displacement of the deformable segment 6 is effectively transferred to the annular ring 3.

[0046] In some embodiments, the outer surface of the rubber tube 1 is provided with an anti-corrosion coating or a wear-resistant layer.

[0047] In this embodiment, an anti-corrosion coating or wear-resistant layer is covered on the outside of the rubber tube 1 to isolate it from external corrosive factors such as seawater, oil, or mechanical friction.

[0048] The elastic deformable pipe 100 of this invention has an anti-corrosion coating or wear-resistant layer added to the outer surface of the rubber pipe body 1, which can slow down the aging or physical wear of the rubber and improve the service life of the elastic deformable pipe 100.

[0049] In some embodiments, the rubber tube 1 is provided with flange joints or quick-connect joints at both ends for detachable connection to external pipelines. The flange joints have bolt holes for fastening to the mating flange of the external pipeline with bolts. The quick-connect joints have male connectors for quickly locking and sealing to the corresponding female connector of the external pipeline.

[0050] The elastic deformation pipe 100 of this invention is easy to install and maintain by providing a standard connection interface at its end.

[0051] Optionally, the Shore hardness of the rubber tube body 1 is 30A to 60A.

[0052] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flexible deformable pipe, characterized in that, include: Rubber tube body (1); An elastic mesh (2) is embedded within the rubber tube body (1). The elastic mesh (2) includes annular rings (3) and elastic elements (4). Multiple annular rings (3) are arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the rubber tube body (1). The elastic elements (4) are disposed between two adjacent annular rings (3). Multiple elastic elements (4) are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the rubber tube body (1). Each elastic element (4) includes: Both connecting segments (5) are fixedly connected to the annular ring (3); A deformable segment (6) is provided between the two connecting segments (5), and the deformable segment (6) is capable of elastic deformation along the axial direction of the rubber tube body (1).

2. The elastically deformable conduit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The deformed segment (6) includes: The first segment (7) and the second segment (8) are arranged symmetrically on both sides of the cross-section of the rubber tube (1).

3. The elastically deformable pipe according to claim 2, characterized in that, Both the first segment (7) and the second segment (8) include at least one curved or broken section.

4. The elastically deformable conduit according to claim 3, characterized in that, Two adjacent elastic elements (4) in the circumferential direction of the rubber tube (1) are arranged symmetrically on both sides of the longitudinal section of the rubber tube (1).

5. The elastically deformable pipe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The deformed segment (6) is U-shaped or V-shaped.

6. The elastically deformable conduit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic element (4) is Ω-shaped.

7. The elastically deformable conduit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic mesh (2) is a shape memory alloy elastic mesh (2).

8. The elastically deformable conduit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting segment (5) is a straight line.

9. The elastically deformable pipe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer surface of the rubber tube (1) is provided with an anti-corrosion coating or a wear-resistant layer.

10. The elastically deformable conduit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rubber tube body (1) is provided with flange joints or quick-connect joints at both ends for detachable connection with external pipelines.

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