Rotating Comb Pipe Support for Thermal Expansion and Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holding systems for pipes in heat exchangers, such as those in rocket engines, face challenges in maintaining the pipes' position under thermal expansions, contractions, vibrations, and accelerations while minimizing mechanical stress to prevent hydrogen leaks and structural deterioration.
Innovation Solution
A holding system comprising a comb with perpendicular teeth and a blocking device, such as a pin, that allows loose axial movement and radial support, preventing the pipe from displacing radially while allowing expansion and rotation, and is designed to be attached to the pipe and structure with minimal stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid holding system is used to prevent pipe displacement under thermal expansion and vibration, then the pipe position stability is improved, but the mechanical stress on the pipe increases causing potential hydrogen leaks and weld deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible comb structure with parallel teeth that can elastically deform to accommodate pipe movements due to thermal expansion and vibration. The comb's flexibility allows it to maintain continuous contact with the pipe while absorbing mechanical stresses, preventing stress concentration that would lead to weld deterioration or hydrogen leaks.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding system utilizes the elastic deformation capability of the comb material, changing its physical state from rigid to flexible under load. This parameter change allows the comb to adapt its stiffness dynamically - remaining rigid enough to prevent displacement but flexible enough to accommodate thermal expansion without excessive stress transmission to the pipe.
2Strength
If a loose holding system is used to minimize mechanical stress on the pipe, then the pipe structural integrity is improved, but the pipe position stability under vibration and acceleration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The comb is divided into multiple parallel teeth that independently contact the pipe surface. This segmentation distributes the holding force across multiple contact points, providing stable radial and axial positioning while reducing the stress at each individual contact point, thereby preventing local stress concentration and weld deterioration.
Solution Approach 2:
The comb structure is designed to be dynamically responsive to pipe movements. Under vibration and acceleration, the teeth can independently deflect and adapt their position, maintaining contact with the pipe while accommodating dynamic movements. This dynamic behavior ensures position stability without transmitting excessive mechanical stress to the pipe.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a traditional blocking device is used to prevent radial displacement, then the pipe radial position stability is improved, but the pipe's ability to undergo thermal expansion and rotation is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The comb teeth are arranged parallel to each other, creating a multi-dimensional contact system. This arrangement allows the pipe to expand radially in one direction while the teeth provide blocking in the perpendicular radial direction, and simultaneously allows axial rotation and thermal expansion along the pipe axis without restriction.
Solution Approach 2:
The comb acts as an intermediary element between the pipe and the surrounding structure. It provides radial blocking to prevent displacement while allowing the pipe to undergo thermal expansion and rotation freely. The comb's flexible teeth mediate between the need for position stability and the need for thermal adaptability, transmitting minimal stress to the pipe.
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 system effectively maintains the pipe's position with minimal mechanical stress, preventing hydrogen leaks and structural damage by allowing elastic deformation and distributed support, thus ensuring reliable operation under thermal and vibrational stresses.
Implementation Method 1
The system effectively maintains the pipe's position with minimal mechanical stress, preventing hydrogen leaks and structural damage by allowing elastic deformation and distributed support
Implementation Method 2
the coil tends to undergo considerably differential thermal expansions due to the very high differences in temperature to which it is subjected
Implementation Method 3
the coil tends to undergo considerably differential thermal expansions and contractions
Data Source
AI summary
A holding system (101, 102, 103) for holding at least one pipe, comprising a comb including a bar and parallel teeth perpendicular to the bar. A blocking device (30) consisting essentially of a pin, serves to prevent a pipe passing between two of the teeth from moving away from the bar.The holding system further comprises two supports (40A, 40B), positioned at the ends of the comb, and which hold the comb so as to allow rotation thereof around the axis of the bar.A method for mounting a heat exchanger (100) comprising such a holding system.