Internal Bladder Support for Hollow Pipe Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tightening fasteners to hollow structural members, such as pipes or tubes, can cause deformation and compression, which is undesirable in applications requiring stability and rigidity.
Innovation Solution
A bladder is inserted into the hollow structural member, filled with a compound that sets to form a solid support within the interior space, and a fastener is used to couple additional structural members, providing internal support and preventing deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If fasteners are tightened to hollow structural members, then structural members can be coupled together, but deformation and compression of the hollow structural member occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A bladder filled with setting compound is inserted into the hollow structural member as an intermediary element. The bladder expands to contact and support the inner walls of the hollow member, distributing the clamping force from the fastener across a larger area. This prevents localized deformation and compression of the hollow member while still enabling strong coupling between structural members.
Solution Approach 2:
The bladder material transitions from a compliant, expandable state during installation to a rigid, supported state after the setting compound cures. This parameter change allows the bladder to initially accommodate the hollow member's shape, then transform into a rigid support structure that prevents deformation during fastening operations.
2Weight of moving object
If hollow structural members are used, then lightweight structure is achieved, but deformation under fastening load occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a composite structure where the hollow structural member (lightweight) is combined with the cured setting compound inside the bladder (rigid support). This composite arrangement maintains the weight advantage of hollow members while adding internal rigid support that prevents deformation and enhances structural reliability during fastening operations.
3Shape
If solid support is created within hollow structural member, then deformation is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The setting compound undergoes a color change during the curing process, transitioning from a liquid or semi-liquid state to a solid state. This visual indicator simplifies the process by providing clear feedback on the curing status, reducing the need for complex monitoring systems while ensuring the support structure is properly formed.
Solution Approach 2:
The setting compound automatically cures within the bladder to form the solid support structure without requiring additional intervention or complex control systems. This self-service property simplifies the overall device complexity by eliminating the need for external curing mechanisms, sensors, or control systems.
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 method creates a stable, solid support within the hollow structural member, preventing deformation and enhancing the structural integrity of the assembly.
Implementation Method 1
enabling the compound to set or cure within the membrane to form a solid support
Data Source
AI summary
A support system includes a hollow structural member and a bladder. The bladder includes a membrane that encloses an internal volume and a spout with at least one inlet to enable a compound to fill the internal volume to extend across an interior space of the hollow structural member to provide support to the hollow structural member.