Arctic Rubber Pipeline Dampener Chain for Weather-Resistant Flexing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current pipeline vibration dampener connector systems fail prematurely due to weather and strain, particularly in arctic conditions, as the elastomer material used in existing systems is not durable enough to withstand repeated flexing and cold weather environments.

Innovation Solution

A damper system featuring a flexible steel wire core with arctic grade rubber cover, sealed with end covers to create a strong and durable dampening member that can withstand harsh weather conditions, comprising a steel wire core with bolts at each end and an arctic grade rubber outer cover to ensure longevity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If elastomer material is used in the dampener links, then the dampener can flex and absorb vibrations, but the material fails prematurely due to repeated flexing and weather exposure

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoiddurability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining steel wire (for strength and durability) with elastomer material (for flexibility and vibration absorption). The steel core provides structural integrity and resistance to weathering, while the elastomer layer maintains the dampening capability. This composite structure resolves the contradiction between needing flexibility and requiring durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Device complexity

If traditional elastomer material is used, then the dampener can be made simple in structure, but it fails in arctic conditions and requires frequent replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestructureVSAvoidservice life
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite construction with a steel wire core and elastomer covering. The steel core provides resistance to arctic conditions and extends service life, while the elastomer layer maintains vibration dampening functionality. This composite approach increases durability without significantly complicating the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies a flexible elastomer shell or covering over the steel core. This thin film layer provides the necessary flexibility for vibration absorption while the underlying steel structure protects against environmental degradation in arctic conditions, thereby extending service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of operation

If the dampener material is made flexible to absorb vibrations, then it can perform its dampening function, but it cannot withstand harsh weather conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration absorptionVSAvoidweather resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines materials with complementary properties: steel wire provides weather resistance and structural stability, while the elastomer material provides vibration absorption capability. The steel core protects the elastomer from direct exposure to harsh weather, allowing the flexible dampening function to persist without degradation from environmental factors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution provides a long-lasting, weather-resistant pipeline vibration dampener capable of minimizing vibrations effectively in extreme conditions, reducing maintenance costs and labor by enhancing the durability of the dampening members.

Implementation Method 1

arctic grade rubber cover... capable of standing up to the harshest weather conditions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWeathering resistance: Weathering

Implementation Method 2

flexible core that is covered with an arctic grade rubber cover... strong, yet flexible dampening member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

pipeline vibration dampener... minimize vibrations effectively

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS11441721B1Weather resistant pipeline vibration dampener connector system utilizing arctic grade rubber
Publication Date: 2022.09.13 OVERSON JARED LLOYD
  • US11441721B1 patent drawing
  • US11441721B1 patent drawing
  • US11441721B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A damper that is made up of a number of dampening members that have a flexible core that is covered with an arctic grade rubber cover. Each dampening member is then attached to links that make up the damper chain. The steel core is made of steel wire that is fitted with a bolt at each end. The cover is placed over the steel core and is then sealed with end covers that are glued in place. Each end cover has a hole to receive a fastener that first passes through a link and then into the bolt at the end of the steel core. In this way, a strong, yet flexible damper chain is formed that is able to stand up to the harshest weather conditions for a long life.