Flexible Chimney Hose Liner Helical Convolution Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chimney liners are inflexible and labor-intensive to install, requiring manual straightening of coiled sections, which hinders efficient evacuation of gases from structures.
Innovation Solution
A flexible chimney hose liner with a cylindrical body formed by separate continuous ribbons in a helical pattern, featuring distinct mechanical connections between rings to facilitate flexibility and ease of installation, allowing for bends without permanent deformation and self-straightening upon removal from coils.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional linear chimney liner sections are coiled for compact shipping, then shipping efficiency is improved, but manual straightening becomes labor intensive and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The liner transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure that can automatically adjust its shape. The helical convolution design allows the liner to dynamically change from a coiled shipping configuration to a straight installed configuration without manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between compact shipping and installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The liner's physical parameters are changed by designing it with helical convolutions that can expand and contract. When shipped, the liner maintains a compact coiled state; during installation, it automatically expands to a straight configuration through elastic recovery, eliminating the need for manual straightening and reducing installation time.
2Strength
If conventional rigid liner sections are used, then structural strength is maintained, but flexibility and ease of installation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The liner employs a flexible shell structure with helical convolutions that can bend and flex during installation while maintaining structural integrity. This flexible design allows the liner to be easily maneuvered into position and adapted to various installation configurations without compromising its strength or ability to contain flue gases.
Solution Approach 2:
The liner is designed with segmented helical convolutions that can independently flex and adjust during installation. This segmentation allows different sections of the liner to move relative to each other, facilitating ease of installation while the overall structure maintains sufficient strength through the interconnected helical design.
3Strength
If manual straightening is required for coiled liners, then labor costs increase, but structural integrity can be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The liner is designed to be self-straightening through elastic recovery of its helical convolutions. When removed from its coiled shipping state, the liner automatically returns to a straight configuration without requiring manual straightening by installers. This self-service capability eliminates labor costs associated with straightening while maintaining structural integrity through the elastic properties of the helical design.
4Adaptability or versatility
If helical convolutions with mechanical connections are used, then flexibility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liner combines different material properties within a unified helical convolution structure. The design integrates flexible materials with controlled elastic properties, creating a composite structure that achieves the desired flexibility while managing manufacturing complexity through material selection rather than complex geometric designs.
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
Enables efficient and labor-saving installation of chimney liners with the ability to bend and return to a linear shape, eliminating the need for manual labor and equipment for uncoiling, while maintaining effective gas evacuation.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible hose liner having a cylindrical body extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end. First and second sleeves form the cylindrical body by separate continuous ribbons having a plurality of convolutions formed in a helical pattern
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible hose liner is provided having a cylindrical body extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end. First and second sleeves form the cylindrical body by separate continuous ribbons having a plurality of convolutions formed in a helical pattern along the cylindrical body from the first end to the second end. A ring is formed in each revolution about the longitudinal axis of the continuous ribbon of the first and second sleeves. A plurality of rings form the cylindrical body, each ring has a first convolution and an ending convolution such that a mechanical connection is formed between the ending convolution of a preceding ring and the first convolution of a succeeding ring. The mechanical connection of the between the rings of the first sleeve being different from the mechanical connection of the rings of the second sleeve.