Expansion Joint Thrust Cancellation via Pressure Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing expansion joints require a significant increase in size to cancel thrust due to internal pressure, leading to increased dimensions.
Innovation Solution
The expansion joint incorporates a pressure chamber with pressure-receiving sections that can expand and contract, allowing for the introduction of fluid pressure different from the pipe pressure, which cancels thrust without the need for large cross-sectional areas, using annular members and seal members to maintain sealability and compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the cross-sectional area of the large-diameter bellows is made twice that of the small-diameter bellows to cancel thrust, then the thrust cancellation capability is improved, but the size of the expansion joint increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a pressure chamber filled with fluid (hydraulic or pneumatic system) that generates counteracting force through fluid pressure. The pressure-receiving sections convert fluid pressure into mechanical force to balance the thrust, replacing the need for large mechanical structures. This allows thrust cancellation without proportionally increasing the cross-sectional area, as the fluid pressure can be adjusted independently of the structural dimensions.
2Area of stationary object
If the size of the expansion joint is reduced, then the compactness is improved, but the thrust cancellation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the parameters of the thrust cancellation system by introducing fluid pressure as a controllable parameter. Instead of relying solely on fixed mechanical dimensions (cross-sectional area), the system uses adjustable fluid pressure to generate the required counteracting force. This allows the same or better thrust cancellation capability in a more compact structure, as the force can be controlled through pressure adjustment rather than requiring large physical dimensions.
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
This design allows for a reduction in size while effectively canceling thrust, enabling a more compact layout of connected pipes and reducing overall system size.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure chamber (114) which can expand and contract in a direction connecting the end pipe (71) on one side and the end pipe (72) on the other side and into which a fluid pressure different from a pressure in the pipes can be introduced
Implementation Method 2
a seal member (90), which seals a gap between an outer peripheral portion of the end pipe (71) on one side and an inner peripheral portion of the annular member (88) on the other side
Data Source
AI summary
An expansion joint, which connects pipes to each other and is capable of expanding and contracting, the joint being provided with: a first end pipe and a second end pipe; a connecting pipe for connecting the first end pipe to the second end pipe so as to be capable of approaching and separating from each other; and a thrust-absorbing device having a pressure chamber, which can expand and contract in the direction in which the first end pipe and the second end pipe are linked and into which a fluid pressure that differs from the pressure inside the pipes can be introduced, the pressure chamber comprising a first pressure-receiving section, which is fixed to the first end pipe and faces in the direction from the second end pipe toward the first end pipe, and a second pressure-receiving section, which is fixed to the second end pipe and faces in the direction from the first end pipe towards the second end pipe.