Articulated Rigid Pipe Joint for Durable Angular Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container filling installations face issues with elastically deformable and articulated pipes, which are fragile, require frequent replacement, and have limited material choices due to chemical resistance and temperature tolerance requirements, especially in high-speed installations and perishable liquid handling.
Innovation Solution
A pipeline design with rigid sections connected by an articulated element allowing a predetermined angular movement, featuring elastically deformable tubes and end pieces, providing improved material choices and stress reduction, enhancing reliability and seal integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If elastically deformable pipes are used to allow relative movements, then flexibility and movement capability are improved, but reliability and durability deteriorate due to fragility and frequent replacement needs
Solution Approach 1:
The pipeline is divided into rigid sections connected by articulated elements. Each articulated element contains an elastically deformable tube segment that allows controlled deformation only in the articulation zone, while the rigid sections maintain structural integrity. This segmentation isolates the flexibility function to specific segments, preventing stress propagation throughout the entire pipeline.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe structure implements local quality by making only the articulated element's tube elastically deformable, while the sections and end pieces are rigid. The deformable tube is positioned precisely where angular movement is needed, concentrating the flexibility function locally and protecting the overall system from the weaknesses of fully deformable pipes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If articulated joints with flat sealing gaskets are used to allow angular movement, then movement capability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to rapid seal deterioration under sudden and numerous relative movements
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is transferred from a flat rigid gasket to the elastic tube itself. The tube's elasticity allows it to deform and accommodate angular movements while maintaining seal integrity, replacing the fragile flat gasket system with a flexible membrane that can withstand repeated sudden movements without deterioration.
3Strength
If rigid pipelines are used to ensure structural stability, then strength and stability are improved, but adaptability to relative movements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid pipeline is segmented into rigid sections that maintain structural stability, connected by articulated elements that provide movement capability. This segmentation allows the majority of the system to remain rigid and stable while specific segments accommodate necessary movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipeline implements local quality by concentrating flexibility only in the articulated elements where movement is required, while maintaining rigidity in the sections for structural stability. This localized approach to flexibility preserves overall system strength while enabling necessary adaptability.
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 offers enhanced durability and reliability of pipe connections, allowing for more flexible material selection and reduced frequency of replacement, while maintaining effective liquid transfer and compatibility with cleaning and sterilization processes.
Implementation Method 1
a tube having ends connected to the end pieces to be elastically deformable under the predetermined force according to the predetermined angular movement
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
Disclosed is a pipe comprising at least one first section (1) connected to a second section (2) by a hinged element (10) allowing a predetermined angular movement of the first section (1) relative to the second section (2) under a predetermined minimum force. The hinged element (10) comprises two end pieces (11, 12) connected respectively to the first section (1) and to the second section (2) and hinged with each other to allow the angular movement, and a tube (13) having ends connected to the end pieces (11, 12) so as to be elastically deformable under the predetermined force according to the predetermined angular movement, the sections (1, 2) and the end pieces (11, 12) themselves being rigid under the predetermined minimum force. Also disclosed is a treatment facility comprising such pipes.