Double-Walled Fluid Line with Sliding Outer Sleeve for Static Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing double-walled pipes in fuel systems face challenges in accessing connection areas for assembly and disassembly, particularly in sealing arrangements, leading to potential leakage and wear issues, especially when handling high-pressure fluids like hydrogen.
Innovation Solution
A fluid transport device with a double-walled design featuring an inner and outer line component, where the outer line component slides to uncover coupling ends for access, using static seals to enhance sealing and reduce leakage, and incorporating flange components for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the outer pipe encloses the inner pipe in a fixed configuration, then the sealing arrangement is protected, but access to connection areas for assembly and disassembly is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The outer pipe is designed with a movable section that can slide relative to the inner pipe, transitioning between a first position where the coupling end is accessible and a second position where it is enclosed. This dynamic configuration allows the system to switch between operational states: when assembly/disassembly is needed, the outer pipe moves to expose the connection area; when protection is needed, it moves to enclose the coupling end, thus resolving the contradiction between accessibility and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer pipe is divided into distinct functional sections: a fixed section, a movable section, and a coupling end section. This segmentation allows the movable section to independently slide along the inner pipe, providing controlled access to the coupling end without compromising the sealed enclosure provided by the fixed section. The segmentation enables selective exposure of connection areas while maintaining overall system protection.
2Ease of operation
If dynamic seals are used to allow movement, then accessibility is improved, but leakage and wear issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a dynamic configuration where the outer pipe slides along the inner pipe, but uses static seals positioned at fixed locations to maintain sealing integrity during movement. The movable section of the outer pipe transitions between positions while the static seals remain stationary, preventing leakage without requiring dynamic seal components that would wear over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The design accepts that the movable section of the outer pipe may require periodic replacement after extensive sliding operations, but uses durable static seals that can accommodate this movement. This approach prioritizes reliable sealing over indefinite component life, allowing the system to maintain high sealing performance while enabling necessary accessibility operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid transport device including a first line connector, second line connector and inner line component that fluidly connects the first line connector to the second line connector via respective first and second coupling ends. In a mounted state, an outer line component of the device is attached to the first line connector and to the second line connector, so the outer line component covers the first and second coupling ends. In a demounted state, the outer line component is detached from the first and second line connector, wherein the outer line component is movable relative to the inner line component to uncover the first coupling end or the second coupling end. A method for assembling and disassembling a fluid transport device is also disclosed.