Elastic Fluid Pipe Support for Multi-Directional Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe support systems are inadequate in absorbing movements and vibrations in all directions, leading to uneven stress distribution and increased risk of anchor failure, as they primarily focus on vertical movements and rely on spring forces that vary with elongation distance.
Innovation Solution
A pipe support device featuring a pressurized, impermeable elastic element between flanges, allowing for absorption of shifts in any direction, with a rigid structure under compression and adjustable pressure to maintain constant stress, using a fluid-filled elastic body of revolution attached to flanges via various fastening methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spring-based supports are used to absorb vertical movements, then vertical vibration absorption is improved, but the ability to absorb movements in other directions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an elastic membrane (thin film) that can deform in multiple directions to absorb pipe movements. The membrane replaces traditional spring mechanisms, providing flexibility in all directions rather than just vertical, while maintaining constant load through its elastic properties and pre-tensioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical spring system with a pneumatic system using an elastic membrane filled with pressurized gas. This substitution allows the support to maintain constant load independently of displacement, while the membrane's elasticity provides multi-directional movement absorption capability.
2Force
If spring force is used to support pipe load, then load absorption is improved, but stress distribution becomes uneven as elongation distance changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter from spring force (which varies with elongation) to pneumatic pressure (which remains constant). The elastic membrane maintains constant internal pressure regardless of its deformation state, ensuring uniform stress distribution on the pipe throughout the movement range.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic membrane automatically maintains constant load through its pre-tensioning and the compressibility of the enclosed gas. As the pipe moves, the membrane deforms but the gas pressure self-regulates to maintain constant supporting force, eliminating the need for external adjustment mechanisms.
3Reliability
If elastic blocks are used to absorb vibrations, then vibration absorption is improved, but adaptability to different stress requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamic pneumatic system where the elastic membrane can adapt to varying stress conditions through pressure regulation. Unlike fixed elastic blocks, the pneumatic system allows dynamic adjustment of the supporting characteristics by changing the gas pressure, providing adaptability to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic membrane support device serves multiple functions: it absorbs vibrations, supports constant load, accommodates multi-directional movements, and adapts to different stress levels through pressure adjustment. This single device replaces multiple specialized components, providing universal applicability.
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 device effectively absorbs movements and vibrations in any direction, maintaining constant stress and simplifying maintenance, while being adaptable, corrosion-resistant, and cost-effective, with improved precision and capacity for extreme environments.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element (3) located between the fixing means (2) and the securing means (4)... an impermeable and elastic body of revolution open at its upper and lower base... which will provide the capacity to absorb the shifts in any direction occurring in a pipe
Implementation Method 2
configuring a closed and hermetic volume containing a pressurized fluid... adjustable pressure to maintain constant stress
Implementation Method 3
a pressurized, impermeable elastic element between flanges... adjustable pressure to maintain constant stress... a closed and hermetic volume containing a pressurized fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for supporting industrial pipes, which allows absorbing the movements of the pipe occurring in any shift direction, as well as adapting to the needs required by the installation at all times, without needing significant changes in the components forming part of the system. To that end, the device object of the invention uses a perfectly tight elastic element containing therein a pressurized fluid, which is fitted in a set of flanges, which will provide the capacity to absorb the shifts in any direction occurring in a pipe.