Double-Walled Tube Coupling With Elongated Thermal Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transportation of cryogenic fuels in energy supply facilities, such as fuel cell energy systems, poses challenges due to temperature-induced stress on the interconnections of dedicated fuel supply lines and their insulating structures, leading to increased monitoring and maintenance demands.
Innovation Solution
A support structure for coaxial flanges of a double-coaxial coupling is designed with a circular support structure that includes primary and secondary mounting zones, spaced apart radially to center the flanges coaxially. The thermal path between mounting points is elongated, decoupling thermal transport between the primary and secondary flanges, thereby reducing thermal stress and the risk of icing or air liquefaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a direct thermal connection is provided between primary and secondary flanges, then structural stability is improved, but thermal stress increases due to temperature differences
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple discrete mounting points rather than a continuous connection, segmenting the thermal path into separate segments that can be individually managed for both structural and thermal purposes
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal path is extended by introducing a curved or elongated geometry in the radial direction, transforming a direct linear connection into a multi-dimensional path that increases thermal resistance while maintaining structural integrity
2Manufacturing precision
If mounting points are closely spaced, then manufacturing precision is improved, but thermal insulation performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the support structure have different properties: the mounting zones provide precise alignment and structural support, while the intermediate thermal path regions are designed with elongated geometry to provide thermal insulation, creating local quality variations that satisfy both requirements
3Stress or pressure
If additional insulation is added to reduce thermal stress, then thermal stress is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure itself provides thermal insulation functionality through its elongated thermal path design, eliminating the need for separate insulation components. The structural element serves dual purposes: mechanical support and thermal management
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 effectively reduces thermal transport between the primary and secondary flanges, minimizing thermal stress and the need for additional insulation. It also enhances the flexibility of the connection and reduces the monitoring and maintenance demands associated with cryogenic fuel transport.
Implementation Method 1
A thermal path within the circular support structure between a mounting point of the primary mounting zone and an adjacent spaced apart mounting point of the secondary mounting zone is longer than the distance between the two points
Data Source
AI summary
A support for coaxial flanges of a double-coaxial coupling includes a circular support structure providing a primary mounting zone for attaching a primary flange for connecting a primary outer tube, and a secondary mounting zone for attaching a secondary flange for connecting a coaxial secondary inner tube. The primary and the secondary mounting zones are spaced apart from each other in a radial direction for centering the primary and the secondary flanges in a radially spaced coaxial manner. The primary mounting zone provides an outer circumferential connection region with at least three mounting points for attaching the primary flange. The secondary mounting zone provides an inner circumferential connection region with at least three mounting points for attaching the secondary flange. A thermal path within the circular support structure between the mounting points of the primary and secondary mounting zones is longer than the distance between the two points.