Conical Ram Pressure Device for Hollow Cylinders
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for applying internal pressure to hollow cylindrical shapes using pressurized fluids are hazardous, complex, and costly, with high-pressure systems posing risks to personnel and equipment, and requiring additional external equipment.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising upper and lower conical rams and an expandable cylinder with conical cavities, aligned by a guide rod, which applies internal pressure through a compression testing machine, eliminating the need for pressurized fluids and reducing complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a direct method using incompressible fluid and external pressurization is used, then internal pressure can be applied to the hollow cylinder, but the system becomes complex and dangerous due to high pressure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for complex external pressurization equipment (pumps, fluid lines, pressure vessels) by replacing the fluid-based pressure application method with a direct mechanical expansion method using an inflatable bladder and rigid frame structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an inflatable bladder as an intermediary element between the rigid frame and the hollow cylinder. The bladder transfers the mechanical expansion force from the frame to the cylinder wall, enabling pressure application without direct fluid contact or complex pressurization systems
2Stress or pressure
If external equipment such as pumps and lines is used to apply pressure, then internal pressure can be generated, but the cost and complexity of the testing system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex, and durable external pressurization equipment with a simpler, more economical rigid frame and inflatable bladder system that can be manufactured at lower cost while achieving the same pressure application function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the need for expensive external equipment (pumps, pressure lines, control systems) by integrating the pressure generation function directly into the test fixture through the rigid frame and bladder mechanism
3Stress or pressure
If high pressure on the order of 10,000 psi is generated during testing, then the hollow cylinder can be tested, but personnel and equipment are at risk if the cylinder fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements safety by design through the rigid frame structure that contains the inflatable bladder. If the hollow cylinder fails, the frame and bladder system prevents uncontrolled pressure release and flying debris, protecting personnel and equipment beforehand
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of high-pressure failure into a safe testing method by using gradual mechanical expansion through the inflatable bladder, allowing controlled stress application and failure analysis without the sudden, dangerous pressure spikes associated with traditional high-pressure 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 solution allows for safe, efficient, and cost-effective application of internal pressure and hoop stress to hollow cylindrical objects, reducing the risks associated with high-pressure fluids and simplifying the testing process.
Implementation Method 1
an upper conical ram having a first guide hole centrally formed in a first facing surface; a lower conical ram having a second guide hole centrally formed in a second facing surface
Implementation Method 2
a guide rod positioned within at least a portion of the first guide hole and the second guide hole, the guide rod for aligning the upper conical ram and the lower conical ram
Implementation Method 3
applying a measured compressive force to the lower conical ram and the upper conical ram to cause the lower conical ram and the upper conical ram to move vertically toward a midline of the expandable cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for applying an internal pressure and resultant hoop stress to a hollow cylindrical object, such as a test cylinder, utilizing an expandable cylinder and upper and lower conically shaped rams. The device is inserted into a test cylinder, and when a compressive force is applied to the upper and lower conically shaped rams, the rams move vertically into upper and lower conically shaped cavities of the expandable cylinder. The sloped inner surfaces of the conically shaped upper and lower cavities convert the vertical motion into an outward radial motion, applying an internal pressure and resultant hoop stress to the cylindrical object.