Bellows Convolute Structure for Off-Axis Misalignment Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bellows used in plumbing systems, particularly in passenger transportation vehicles, face issues with limited adaptability to misalignment, implosion under vacuum, and shear stress due to lateral displacement, which compromises their structural integrity and lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A bellows member with a flexible body featuring radially oriented convolutes that pivot to accommodate off-axis misalignment, resist vacuum implosion, and withstand pressure differentials, designed to fit within a compact envelope, using materials like thermoplastic urethane polyester, polyurethane, nitrile, synthetic rubber, fluoropolymer elastomer, or silicone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If flexible rubber or silicone components are used to bridge offset connections, then misalignment adaptability is improved, but structural integrity deteriorates due to puckering, bowing out, and implosion under vacuum
Solution Approach 1:
The bellows body is segmented into multiple convolutes (collapsing sections) that can independently deform. This segmentation allows the structure to accommodate misalignment through controlled localized deformation rather than overall buckling, maintaining structural integrity while adapting to offset connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The bellows incorporates a dynamic collapsing section with convolutes that can pivot and deform elastically in response to misalignment forces. This dynamic capability allows the structure to adapt to varying misalignment conditions while maintaining reliability through elastic recovery, preventing permanent deformation or implosion.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional bellows designs are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to off-axis misalignment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bellows is divided into a rigid body portion and a collapsing section with multiple convolutes. This segmentation allows the complex adaptive function to be localized to specific sections while maintaining simple manufacturing for the overall structure. The convolutes can be formed using standard bellows manufacturing techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
Only the collapsing section contains the convolute structures necessary for misalignment adaptation, while the rest of the bellows maintains a simple cylindrical form. This local quality approach provides the needed adaptability where required while keeping the majority of the structure simple to manufacture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the bellows collapsing section is made flexible to accommodate misalignment, then adaptability is improved, but resistance to vacuum implosion and pressure differentials deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bellows is segmented into a rigid body portion that resists vacuum and pressure loads and a collapsing section with convolutes that accommodates misalignment. This segmentation allows the strength requirements to be concentrated in the rigid portions while the collapsing section handles only the misalignment accommodation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsing section with convolutes provides dynamic flexibility for misalignment while the rigid body portions maintain static strength for vacuum and pressure resistance. The convolutes deform elastically within controlled limits, allowing misalignment accommodation without compromising the overall pressure containment capability.
4Volume of moving object
If the bellows is designed to fit in a compact envelope, then space utilization is improved, but the ability to absorb misalignment without shear stress deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The collapsing section with radially oriented convolutes provides misalignment accommodation in the radial dimension while maintaining a compact axial profile. This dimensional approach allows the bellows to absorb misalignment without requiring excessive length, fitting within compact envelopes while reducing shear stress through radial deformation capability.
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 bellows effectively absorbs misalignment and pressure differentials without implosion or twisting, maintaining structural integrity and extending its useful life by reducing shear stress through dynamic pivoting of convolutes.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible bellows body center section that moves to accommodate operational off-axis misalignment
Implementation Method 2
The bellows functions to accommodate misalignment between the two plumbing interfaces... The disclosed bellows resists vacuum implosion and internal pressurization
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A bellows member (10) for use in connecting two plumbing interfaces to one another. The bellows member is a generally hollow design with cuff ends (12, 14), each of which connects to an ends of another interface. The bellows member has a flexible bellows body center section that moves to accommodate operational off-axis misalignment, while being able to absorb vacuum and pressure differentials. The disclosed bellows resists vacuum implosion and internal pressurization. The flexible center section is provided with a plurality of convolutes (34, 36, 38) oriented radially outwardly on a horizontal axis. The bellows functions to accommodate misalignment between the two plumbing interfaces.