Adjustable Tube Assembly for Pressure-Tight RO Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
In reverse osmosis systems, achieving precise and secure connections between pressure exchangers and manifolds under high pressure is challenging due to fabrication tolerances and the need for precise tube assembly lengths, which can lead to dislocation or damage of equipment during mounting and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A tube assembly with an inner tube having an outer thread and an outer tube with an inner thread, featuring a blocking element that adjusts the length by overlapping grooves and recesses, preventing rotational movement once secured, and incorporating fine threads and sealing rings for precise adjustment and protection from media exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tube assembly length is precisely adapted to achieve pressure-tight connections under high pressure, then connection reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and time increase due to individual length adaptation
Solution Approach 1:
The tube assembly incorporates an adjustable length mechanism with telescopic sections that can be extended or retracted to match different distances between manifolds and pressure exchangers. This dynamic adjustment capability eliminates the need for individual length adaptation during manufacturing, while ensuring reliable pressure-tight connections under high pressure conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube assembly allows for parameter changes in length through an adjustable mechanism, enabling the same standardized tube design to accommodate varying installation distances. This approach maintains connection reliability across different applications without requiring custom manufacturing for each specific length requirement.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the tube assembly length is precisely adapted for secure clamp engagement, then connection stability is improved, but mounting and maintenance time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable length mechanism allows operators to quickly adapt the tube assembly to different installation scenarios during mounting and maintenance operations. This eliminates the time-consuming process of individual length adaptation while maintaining stable clamp engagement and connection integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube assembly is designed with pre-configured adjustment capabilities that allow for rapid length adaptation before final clamp engagement. This preliminary adjustment ensures proper alignment and secure engagement without requiring extensive on-site modification or custom manufacturing.
3Reliability
If high forces act on grooved connections under high pressure, then pressure-tight sealing is improved, but risk of equipment dislocation or damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tube assembly incorporates stress distribution features and flexible connection elements that cushion and distribute the high forces generated during pressurization. This prevents concentrated stresses that could cause clamp dislocation or damage to connected equipment, while maintaining pressure-tight sealing through the distributed force distribution.
Data Source
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AI summary
A tube assembly (12) comprising an inner tube (13) having an outer thread (15), an outer thread (14) having an inner thread (16) engaging the outer thread (15), at least for securing an angular position between the inner tube (13) and the outer tube (14) is provided. Such a tube assembly should facilitate mounting and maintenance of a reverse osmosis system. To this end, the inner tube (13) comprises at least an groove (17) on its outer surface and the outer tube (14) comprises an recess (18) on its inner surface, wherein a blocking element is arranged in a space formed by the recess (18) and the groove (17) in overlapping relation with the groove (17) and the recess (18)