Union Nut Collar Structure for Compact Hydrogen Pipe Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe connection systems, particularly in aircraft hydrogen supply systems, face challenges in achieving tight sealing with minimal weight and compact dimensions due to the molecular properties of hydrogen, where union nuts are too small and light, requiring specialized equipment, and clamping nuts are too large and heavy.
Innovation Solution
A union nut design with an annular body and collar portion featuring interior threads and axially symmetric threaded holes, allowing additional screws to apply force directly to a pipe flange, combined with thin-walled pipes and specific materials like stainless steel or aluminum, to create a tight sealing system with reduced weight and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of stationary object
If a union nut is used to provide a compact and lightweight connection, then the device size and weight are reduced, but the torque necessary to create appropriate sealing force requires special equipment that occupies much space
Solution Approach 1:
The union nut is segmented into two functional parts: the annular body portion with interior thread for engaging the first pipe, and the collar portion with multiple threaded holes for receiving additional fastening elements. This segmentation allows the application of multiple small forces from multiple directions, equivalent to the effect of large torque, while maintaining compact dimensions suitable for confined aircraft spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of a traditional union nut (providing connection and sealing) with the function of a clamping nut (distributing load through multiple bolts). The collar portion with multiple threaded holes enables the union nut to utilize multiple screws or bolts that apply force directly to the flange portion, combining the compactness of a union nut with the distributed force application of a clamping nut.
2Reliability
If a clamping nut is used to distribute load over multiple bolts, then the sealing force is adequately applied, but the device becomes comparatively large and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The union nut is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides the primary connection function by engaging the interior thread with the exterior thread of the first pipe, and simultaneously provides distributed force application through the collar portion with multiple threaded holes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate clamping nut components, reducing overall weight while maintaining reliable sealing force distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of applying force through a single axial direction as in traditional union nuts, the invention adds a radial dimension by incorporating multiple threaded holes in the collar portion. This allows force to be applied from multiple radial directions simultaneously, achieving distributed load application similar to clamping nuts but within a compact geometry that does not increase overall device weight significantly.
Data Source
AI summary
A union nut with an annular body portion comprising an interior thread, and a collar portion projecting toward an axis of the annular body portion and including threaded holes. A pipe assembly and a vehicle are disclosed.