Dual-Walled Fluid Conduit With Interduct Thermal Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional double-walled conduits face issues due to mechanical coupling between the inner and outer conduits, leading to defects, cracks, and heat transfer, which can result in mechanical failure, especially under stress or large temperature gradients.
Innovation Solution
A dual-walled fluid transportation system where the inner and outer conduits are mechanically isolated by an interduct channel, preventing the transmission of defects, cracks, and heat between them, and allowing for independent support and connection without direct mechanical interconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the inner conduit and outer conduit are mechanically interconnected using a connecting structure, then the conduits are positioned and supported relative to each other, but defects, cracks, and strain can be transmitted between them leading to mechanical failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary fluid barrier between the inner and outer conduits that prevents direct mechanical contact. This fluid medium acts as a mediator that transmits necessary forces while isolating defects and cracks, allowing the conduits to remain positioned relative to each other without direct mechanical connection that would propagate failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the mechanical connection system by separating the inner and outer conduits into independent mechanical zones. Each conduit can be supported and positioned independently through separate mounting structures, preventing stress and defect transmission between the two conduits while maintaining their relative positioning.
2Strength
If the inner conduit and outer conduit are mechanically coupled, then structural support is provided, but heat can be transmitted between the conduits resulting in mechanical failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a fluid intermediary substance between the inner and outer conduits that provides thermal isolation. This fluid barrier reduces heat conduction between the conduits while still allowing structural support to be maintained through alternative means such as external mounting structures or spaced supports.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs thin film or flexible barrier structures between the conduits that provide thermal resistance. These thin film barriers reduce heat transmission while maintaining the structural integrity and support of the dual-conduit system.
3Ease of operation
If a connecting structure is used to interconnect the conduits, then the inner conduit is positioned within the outer conduit, but the connecting structure itself can develop defects and cracks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the traditional rigid connecting structure by introducing a fluid intermediary that provides positioning and support without physical contact. This fluid mediator prevents the development of defects and cracks associated with rigid mechanical connectors while maintaining conduit positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical connecting structure with a non-mechanical fluid-based positioning system. Instead of using rigid mechanical connectors that can fail, the system uses fluid pressure, buoyancy, or viscous forces to maintain conduit positioning, thereby eliminating the connecting structure as a source of defects.
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 system effectively prevents mechanical and thermal issues between the inner and outer conduits, enhancing the reliability and durability of the fluid transportation system by isolating potential defects and heat transfer.
Implementation Method 1
the outer conduit and the interstitial volume are utilized to insulate fluid within the inner conduit, such as to maintain a temperature gradient between the fluid within the inner conduit and the outside of the outer conduit
Data Source
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AI summary
Dual-walled fluid transportation systems and related methods. The systems comprise a dual-walled fluid conduit, comprising an outer duct comprising a pair of flared end regions and a central region extending therebetween that define an outer duct internal surface surrounding an outer duct internal volume, an inner duct defining a central conduit, extending within the outer duct internal volume, and comprising a pair of flared end regions and a central region extending therebetween that define an inner duct external surface. The inner duct and outer duct define interlocking geometries and are configured to be supported with an inner duct channel completely separating the inner duct external surface from the outer duct internal surface. The methods include additively forming an outer duct wall and additively forming an inner duct wall within an outer duct internal volume of the outer duct wall with an inner duct channel extending therebetween. (Fig. 2)