Double Tube Connecting Structure With Adjustable Flange Gaps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional double tube structures require cutting the outer tube for disassembly of the inner tube during maintenance or repairs, limiting flexibility and efficiency in assembly and disassembly processes.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of push-up bolts and turnbuckles between the outer tube connection flanges allows for adjustable gaps, enabling disassembly and assembly of the inner tube without cutting the outer tube, using push-up bolts along the peripheries of both tubes and turnbuckles between outer tube connection flanges to manage these gaps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If the inner tube is disassembled for maintenance or repair, then the damaged part can be replaced, but the outer tube must be cut which increases complexity and time consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinner tube disassemblyVSAvoidouter tube structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The outer tube is segmented into multiple sections with connection flanges between them. This segmentation allows the inner tube to be accessed and disassembled by separating the outer tube sections, eliminating the need to cut the entire outer tube. The connection flanges create modular segments that can be independently manipulated for maintenance purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Connection flanges are introduced as intermediary components between outer tube sections. These flanges serve as mediators that enable the inner tube to be disassembled by providing access points and separation interfaces, without requiring direct cutting of the outer tube structure itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of repair

If the outer tube is cut to disassemble the inner tube, then the inner tube can be repaired, but the outer tube structure is damaged and requires restoration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinner tube maintenanceVSAvoidouter tube integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the outer tube into sections connected by flanges, the structure maintains its integrity through designed separation points. This allows maintenance operations on the inner tube without compromising the overall structural stability of the outer tube, as the segments can be separated and reconnected without cutting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The outer tube is pre-configured with connection flanges and segmentation features during manufacturing. This preliminary action prepares the structure for future maintenance operations, allowing the inner tube to be accessed and repaired without requiring cutting or damage to the outer tube structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If conventional double tube structure is used, then the structure is simple, but the inner tube cannot be disassembled without cutting the outer tube

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedouble tube structureVSAvoidinner tube disassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The outer tube is divided into segments with connection flanges, creating a modular structure that maintains relative simplicity while enabling easy disassembly of the inner tube. The segmentation provides predefined access points without significantly complicating the overall double tube structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection flanges introduce dynamic separability to the otherwise static double tube structure. This allows the outer tube sections to be separated and reconnected as needed, transforming the structure from a fixed, indivisible form to a dynamically adjustable configuration that facilitates inner tube maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2265852B1Connecting structure of double tube and assembling or disassembling method of double tube
Publication Date: 2016.10.26 MITSUBISHI HEAVY IND LTD
  • EP2265852B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2265852B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2265852B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

To provide a connecting structure of a double tube and an assembling or disassembling method of the double tube capable of disassembling or repairing an inner tube without cutting an outer tube. A connecting structure (10A) includes an outer tube (11) and an inner tube (12). The outer tube (11) is provided at a location corresponding to a connection flange portion (13) of the inner tube (12) with an outer tube short cylinder (15) including openings (14) each having a lid (14a). The outer tube short cylinder (15) is provided at respective ends with outer tube connection flange portions (16A and 16B). There are provided push-up bolts (21) capable of adjusting gaps respectively between an outer tube connection flange portions (17A-1 and 17A-2) which are opposed to each other, and between an outer tube connection flange portions (17B-1 and 17B-2).