Clamping Connector Assembly for Flexible Ground Sealing Tubes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for energy extraction from the ground using flexible sealing tubes face challenges in maintaining a reliable and cost-effective fluid connection with heat exchanging devices, which is crucial for long-term operation and efficient energy transfer.
Innovation Solution
A connector arrangement featuring insert elements and a clamping structure that provides a fluid-tight connection between the flexible sealing tube and fluid transport elements, reducing the need for water-impermeable seals and ensuring structural integrity, with optional features like constant or tapering cross sections for efficient fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible sealing tube is used instead of a closed rigid tubing system, then the system adapts better to ground conditions and prevents borehole collapse, but maintaining water-impermeable connections becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate functional components: a connector with clamping structure for mechanical attachment, and a separate sealing mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the connector provides structural support while the sealing element ensures water impermeability, simplifying the overall assembly process compared to integrated rigid systems.
Solution Approach 2:
A connector acts as an intermediary element between the flexible sealing tube and the heat exchanging device. This intermediary component standardizes the connection interface, providing a reliable water-impermeable barrier while accommodating the flexibility of the tube, thus reducing the complexity of direct connections between flexible tubes and rigid equipment.
2Reliability
If multiple seals are used to ensure water-impermeable connections, then connection reliability improves, but manufacturing cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function and mechanical connection function are merged into a single integrated connector assembly. The clamping structure simultaneously provides mechanical attachment and creates the water-impermeable barrier through its design, eliminating the need for separate sealing components and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design utilizes parameter changes in the clamping force applied to the flexible tube to achieve both mechanical securement and water tightness. By adjusting the clamping pressure parameter, the system achieves reliable sealing without requiring multiple discrete seal elements, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining connection reliability.
3Ease of operation
If a simple connection method is used to reduce installation complexity, then ease of installation improves, but structural stability and water-impermeability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly is designed to be self-sealing through its clamping structure. When the connector is installed by simple clamping action, it automatically creates the water-impermeable barrier without requiring additional sealing steps or complex assembly procedures. This self-service mechanism ensures both ease of installation and structural stability simultaneously.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
Disclosed is a connector arrangement (15) for fluid connection between fluid transport elements (22, 23) and at least one channel (6, 7) at a second end (5) of a flexible sealing tube (2), which flexible sealing tube is adapted to be installed in and extend along a ground (3) bore in a system (1) for energy exchange with the adjacent ground (3). An insert element (16) is provided for insertion into said fluid flow channel (6, 7) of complementary cross section and have fluid passages (17) there through operatively connectable to at least a fluid transport element (22, 23). A clamping structure (18) has at least one clamping element (19) with a through passage (19a). The through passage (19a) has a cross section that essentially corresponds to or is slightly less than that of the multichannel flexible sealing tube (2). The clamping structure (18) further optionally has clamping means (25) for forcing together the through passage (19a) of the clamping elements (19) over the multichannel flexible sealing tube (2) with the insert elements (16) inserted into the channels (6, 7) thereof.