Flange Tab Assembly With Adjustable Aperture and Sealed Grounding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flange tab apparatuses face limitations such as unsuitable aperture diameters, imperfect threaded connections, lack of seals, and inconvenient two-nut systems, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns in establishing electrical continuity between structures like pipelines and external connections.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a flange tab with adjustable aperture diameters via removable concentric discs and a single-nut electrical lead connector, along with a sealing portion for forming a waterproof and explosion-proof seal, allowing for easy connection and enhanced safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pre-sized aperture is used in conventional flange tab apparatus, then the apparatus can be manufactured with fixed dimensions, but the aperture diameter cannot be adjusted to match different bolt sizes or structure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture is segmented into multiple concentric discs that can be independently removed. Each disc creates a different aperture diameter when removed, allowing the aperture size to be adjusted by selectively removing discs rather than using a single fixed-size aperture.
Solution Approach 2:
The aperture configuration is made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. The concentric discs can be removed in different combinations to change the aperture diameter, transforming the static aperture into a dynamically adjustable opening that adapts to different fastening requirements.
2Ease of operation
If a two-nut system with tapered threading is used, then the electrical lead can be secured to the apparatus, but both nuts must be independently manipulated which is inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening function of two independently manipulated nuts is merged into a single nut system. The first nut performs both locking and positioning functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for a second nut and reducing the fastening operation to a single manipulation step.
Solution Approach 2:
The second nut is extracted from the system entirely. The patent removes the unnecessary second nut while retaining the essential fastening function through the first nut, simplifying the overall fastening mechanism and reducing the number of components that must be manipulated.
3Reliability
If conventional flange tab apparatus without seals is used, then the structure remains simple, but the connection is not waterproof or explosion-proof
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing structure uses nested concentric seals that fit within the aperture assembly. Multiple sealing elements are nested within each other, with each seal providing a sealing interface at different levels, creating a multi-barrier sealing system that is both effective and space-efficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism employs flexible seal elements that can deform to create watertight and explosion-proof connections. These flexible sealing components adapt to manufacturing tolerances and thermal expansion, maintaining seal integrity under various operating conditions without requiring complex rigid sealing structures.
4Manufacturing precision
If milling is used to create the aperture, then the aperture can be precisely sized, but the process requires specialized tools and skilled labor which increases cost and time
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture configuration is prepared in advance during manufacturing by providing the flange tab with a set of concentric discs that define different aperture diameters. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site milling operations, as the aperture size is pre-determined by which discs are removed rather than by machining operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The concentric discs are designed as simple, inexpensive components that can be easily removed rather than expensive, time-consuming milling operations. The discs serve as disposable or semi-disposable elements that simplify the manufacturing process by replacing complex machining with simple component removal.
Data Source
AI summary
According to the present embodiments, an improved flange tab apparatus and methods of use for establishing electrical continuity between at least two electrically conductive structures are provided. More specifically, the present apparatus may be used to establish electrical continuity between an electrically conductive portion of each electrically conductive structure using a flange tab with an aperture for slidably receiving an electrically conductive portion of a first of the at least two structures and connecting the apparatus thereto, and an electrical lead connector for connecting the apparatus to an electrically conductive portion of a second of the at least two structures. The present apparatus may further comprise at least two concentric discs removably mounted in series within the aperture for selecting the diameter of the aperture and a sealing portion for sealingly engaging the apparatus with the at least two structures.