Composite Concrete Transfer Pipe With Integral Wear-Resistant Flanges

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tubular elements for transferring abrasive materials like concrete are complex and time-consuming to produce, requiring expert operators and lengthy processes for flange connection, which affects their reliability and cost-effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A tubular element composed of an internal chromium carbide component and an external composite fiber component, manufactured using centrifugation and filament winding techniques, where connection flanges are integrated during the casting process, simplifying production and enhancing wear and impact resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If flanges are constrained to the internal layer by interference or welding, then connection strength is improved, but production time increases and expert operators are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidproduction time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The flange is merged with the internal layer to form an integral structure. The internal layer itself is configured to define the connection flange, eliminating the need for separate flange components and their complex assembly operations. This integration maintains connection strength while dramatically reducing production time and eliminating the need for expert operators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flange structure is preliminarily formed during the casting process of the internal layer. By incorporating the flange geometry into the mold cavity before the internal layer is cast, the flange is created in advance as part of the internal layer, avoiding subsequent complex assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If flanges are constrained to the internal layer by interference or welding, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidproduction process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flange and internal layer are merged into a single integral component. The internal layer is configured to define the connection flange, eliminating the need for separate flange components and their complex assembly operations. This integration maintains connection reliability while dramatically reducing production process complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If traditional flange connection methods are used, then connection strength is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If chromium carbide material is used for the internal component, then wear resistance is improved, but material cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewear resistanceVSAvoidmaterial cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses chromium carbide, a composite material known for its exceptional wear resistance. By selecting this specialized material for the internal layer that contacts abrasive concrete, the patent achieves superior durability and wear resistance that justifies the higher material cost through extended service life and reduced maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution results in a tubular element that is more reliable, lighter, and cost-effective, with improved wear resistance and mechanical strength, and allows for automated production, reducing operator dependency and increasing productivity.

Implementation Method 1

rotating the mold around an axis of rotation coincident with the central axis and casting the material comprising chromium carbide in its molten state inside the rotating mold

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentUS11174977B2Tubular element to transfer abrasive materials, in particular concrete, and method to manufacture it

Publication Date: 2021.11.16 VALME S R L UNICO SOCIO

AI summary

A method to manufacture a tubular element for transferring abrasive materials such as concrete, inert materials or suchlike, wherein the tubular element comprises an internal tubular component made of chromium carbide or other wear-resistant material, and an internal tubular component in contact with and coaxial to the internal tubular component and made of composite material.