Expansion Joint Structure for Easier Mounting in Tight Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing expansion joints are cumbersome to mount and remove, especially when located at great heights or in narrow places, due to the alignment of the upstream and downstream ends of the inner and outer tubes.
Innovation Solution
The expansion joint design includes an outer tube with flanges at both ends, an inner tube with flanges at the upstream and middle portions, and a closure with elastic portions connecting the outer and inner peripheral portions. This configuration allows for easier mounting and removal by spacing the downstream end of the inner tube and the closure far enough apart and utilizing the axial direction spacing for workspace.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the upstream end of the outer tube, the upstream end of the inner tube, and the downstream end of the upstream pipe are located at substantially the same height, then the expansion joint structure is compact, but the mounting and removal work becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces axial direction spacing between the upstream end of the outer tube and the upstream end of the inner tube, transforming the mounting problem from a two-dimensional alignment issue to a three-dimensional arrangement. This axial spacing creates vertical workspace that simplifies mounting and removal operations while maintaining structural compactness.
2Length of moving object
If the downstream end of the inner tube and the closure are located close to each other, then the expansion joint length is reduced, but the transferred material may contact the closure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate spacing region between the downstream end of the inner tube and the closure. This intermediate space acts as a buffer zone that prevents direct contact between the transferred material and the closure, while the overall length is controlled by optimizing this spacing distance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the expansion joint is located at great heights or in narrow places, then the installation position is flexible, but the mounting work becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the expansion joint into separable components (outer tube, inner tube, closure) that can be assembled in a staged manner. The axial spacing creates intermediate workspace that allows components to be mounted sequentially even in confined spaces, reducing the difficulty of installation at great heights or in narrow places.
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 design facilitates easy mounting and removal of the expansion joint, reducing the likelihood of contact between transferred materials and the closure, and simplifies the connection and disconnection process with the upstream pipe.
Implementation Method 1
a closure including an outer peripheral portion connected to the first flange, an inner peripheral portion connected to the middle flange, and an elastic portion connecting the outer peripheral portion to the inner peripheral portion
Data Source
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AI summary
An expansion joint includes: an outer tube including opposite first and second ends and extending from the first end to the second end in an axial direction of the expansion joint, the outer tube further including a first flange and a second flange, the first flange being located at the first end, the second flange being located at the second end and connectable to a downstream pipe; an inner tube including opposite third and fourth ends and extending from the third end to the fourth end in the axial direction, the inner tube being located inside the outer tube and further including a third flange and a middle flange, the third flange being located at the third end and connectable to the upstream pipe, the middle flange being located at a middle portion between the third and fourth ends; and a closure including an outer peripheral portion connected to the first flange, an inner peripheral portion connected to the middle flange, and an elastic portion connecting the outer peripheral portion to the inner peripheral portion. The first end is spaced from the third end in the axial direction and located between the third and fourth ends in the axial direction.