Accumulator Bellows Centering Mechanism for Collision Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional accumulators with metal bellows can experience deformation or damage due to collisions with the pressure vessel during expansion and contraction, as the sliding ring may not adequately prevent mid-section contact and tilting of the bellows cap.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a sliding unit fixed to the bellows cap that slides in the expansion/contraction direction relative to an annular member, providing a centering mechanism to stabilize the seal position and prevent tilting, thus ensuring the metal bellows do not collide with the pressure vessel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sliding ring is provided at the tip of the metal bellows to prevent collision, then the metal bellows can expand and contract smoothly, but the metal bellows may still collide with the pressure vessel due to tilting of the bellows cap
Solution Approach 1:
A centering mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component between the bellows cap and the pressure vessel. This centering mechanism mediates the interaction by providing a reference axis that prevents tilting of the bellows cap, thereby eliminating the root cause of collision while preserving the smooth expansion and contraction motion of the metal bellows
2Adaptability or versatility
If a clearance is provided between the sliding ring and the pressure vessel to allow movement, then the bellows cap can tilt during expansion, but this tilting causes the metal bellows to collide with the pressure vessel
Solution Approach 1:
The centering mechanism applies preliminary anti-action by establishing a predetermined centering position and orientation for the bellows cap before expansion occurs. This pre-positioning prevents the bellows cap from tilting during expansion, thereby counteracting the harmful effect of collision before it can occur
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The sliding unit effectively suppresses the tilt of the metal bellows, preventing collisions and ensuring reliable sealing by maintaining a consistent seating position, thereby enhancing the durability and performance of the accumulator.
Implementation Method 1
a tubular metal bellows, one end side of which is fixed to the pressure vessel and which expands and contracts according to pressure in the fluid chamber and pressure in the gas chamber
Implementation Method 2
a sliding unit which is fixed to the bellows cap and slides in an expansion/contraction direction of the metal bellows relative to the annular member
Data Source
AI summary
An accumulator capable of suppressing collision of a metal bellows with a pressure vessel. A partition unit 300 includes: a tubular metal bellows 310, one end of which is side fixed to a pressure vessel 200 and which expands and contracts according to pressure in a fluid chamber and pressure in a gas chamber; and a bellows cap 320 which is fixed to another end side of the metal bellows 310, the partition unit 300 further including: a seal member 330 which is provided between the bellows cap 320 and a port 221 and seals a working fluid on the side of the fluid chamber via the metal bellows 310 when the metal bellows 310 contracts; and a sliding unit 350 which is fixed to the bellows cap 320 and slides in an expansion/contraction direction of the metal bellows 310 relative to a stay 400.