Continuous Tubular Assembly With Wrapped Outer Strip Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for constructing long tubular structures, such as pipelines, are limited by the length of mandrels and the need for multiple short pipe sections joined together, which can result in weak joints and compromised structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A method for constructing a tubular assembly by pre-fabricating the inner and outer portions and installing a flexible outer casing around the assembly, with the outer casing containing a resinous binder to impregnate the reinforcement, allowing for continuous pipe production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If pipes are constructed using traditional winding methods on mandrels, then the pipe wall structure can be formed with fibre-reinforced plastic composites, but the length of pipe is limited by the length of the mandrel
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe construction process is segmented into two independent parts: the inner tube (formed separately using conventional methods) and the outer tube (formed separately using pultrusion). These segments are then joined together to form the complete pipe, allowing each segment to be produced independently without mandrel length constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner tube is placed inside the outer tube, with the inner tube forming the core structure and the outer tube providing the remaining wall thickness. This nested configuration allows the pipe to achieve greater lengths than traditional single-stage mandrel methods.
2Length of moving object
If pipes are constructed by joining multiple short pipe sections, then the pipeline can be extended to cover long distances, but the structural integrity is compromised at the joints
Solution Approach 1:
The pultrusion process enables continuous production of the outer tube, creating a seamless, joint-free structure. This continuous manufacturing method eliminates the weak points associated with joining multiple pipe sections, thereby maintaining structural integrity throughout the entire pipeline length.
3Reliability
If a single continuous pipe is produced, then the structural integrity is improved, but the production cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is segmented into two independent production lines: inner tube production and outer tube production. This segmentation allows each tube to be manufactured using conventional, well-established techniques, reducing overall production complexity while still achieving the benefits of a continuous, joint-free structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Both the inner and outer tubes are pre-formed separately using established manufacturing methods before being assembled into the final pipe structure. This preliminary action allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the final assembly process.
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
This approach enables the construction of long, continuous tubular structures with improved structural integrity and cost-effectiveness, as it allows for the production of pipes without the limitations of mandrel length and reduces the need for multiple joints.
Implementation Method 1
a layer of reinforcement impregnated with a resinous binder
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for constructing a tubular assembly (24) comprising an inner portion (21) and a further portion (22) surrounding the inner portion, the further portion being formed from a strip (50) of material comprising two opposed longitudinal marginal side portions (53). The apparatus (100) comprises an assembly station (106) having a wall (122). The apparatus (100) comprises means for advancing the inner portion (21) along a first path (111) extending past the wall, and means for advancing the strip (50) along a second path (112) and causing the strip to encircle the wall and thereby wrap about and surround the inner portion (21). The two marginal side portions (53) are disposed in overlapping relation on the side of the wall opposed to the first path (111). The apparatus (100) further comprises a system (131) for affixing the two longitudinal marginal side portions (53) together in overlapping relation to assemble the strip (50) into a tubular configuration about the inner portion (21), whereby the strip in the tubular configuration provides the further portion (22).