Double-Wall Pipe Flange Coupling for Lower-Cost Leak Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing double wall pipes in gas turbine engines face high manufacturing costs and inefficiencies due to the use of expensive and time-consuming processes like orbital welds and brazing, particularly in aerospace applications.
Innovation Solution
A double wall pipe assembly with piloted flanges and couplings that utilize orbital welding and swaging, featuring a chamber to contain leaked fluids, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional flanges with multiple attachment processes (welding, swaging, brazing) are used, then structural integrity is improved, but manufacturing cost and processing time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple attachment processes (welding, swaging, brazing) into a single integrated flange structure that performs all attachment functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for sequential processing steps and reducing overall manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The flange is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides welding attachment, swaging connection, and brazing capability in a single structure, allowing one component to fulfill multiple attachment roles that traditionally required separate processing steps
2Strength
If traditional flanges with multiple attachment processes are used, then structural integrity is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flange is pre-configured with integrated attachment features during manufacturing, so that during assembly all attachment functions are already built-in and require no additional sequential processing steps, significantly reducing on-site assembly time
3Strength
If traditional heavy flange structures are used, then structural integrity is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flange structure uses local reinforcement only where structurally necessary, with varying wall thicknesses and material densities distributed according to stress requirements, eliminating unnecessary material in low-stress areas while maintaining overall structural integrity
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 simplifies manufacturing, reduces costs, and maintains structural integrity while effectively containing and draining leaked fluids, enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of double wall pipe systems.
Implementation Method 1
a chamber to contain leaked fluids
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2D
AI summary
A double wall pipe assembly may comprise a couple (340; 440; 540; 640), a first pipe (221; 521; 621), a second pipe (223; 523; 623), a first piloted flange (232; 532; 632) and second piloted flange (234; 534; 634). The coupling (340 ... 640) may define a minor diameter receivable slot (341; 441; 541; 641) and a major diameter receivable slot (343; 443; 543; 643). The double wall pipe assembly may be configured to conduct a fluid. The double wall pipe assembly operatively coupled to the coupling (340 ... 640). The second pipe (223; 523; 623) may be sleeved over the first pipe (221; 521; 621). The first piloted flange (232; 532; 632) may be operatively coupled to the first pipe (221; 521; 621). The first piloted flange (232; 532; 632) may be installable in the minor diameter receivable slot (341 ... 641). The second piloted flange (234; 534; 634) may be coupled to the second pipe (223; 523; 623). The second piloted flange (234; 534; 634) may be installable in the major diameter receivable slot (343 ... 643).