Flexible Joint Motion Limiting for Pipe Force Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extendable and contractible flexible joints for fluid transport pipes face issues where pressure fluid flowing through the joints causes unnecessary extension of the extension and contraction allowance portion, reducing their ability to absorb external forces effectively, such as those induced by earthquakes or land subsidence.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an extending motion limiting portion with a fluid chamber that diverts and manages pressure fluid to prevent it from causing unnecessary extension of the extension and contraction allowance portion, while allowing the joint to absorb external forces through extending and contracting motions and bending.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If pressure fluid flows through the flexible joint, then the fluid can be transported between flexible joint portions, but the extension and contraction allowance portion unnecessarily extends due to fluid pressure, reducing the absorption capacity for external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The connection sleeve is divided into an inner fitting sleeve and an outer fitting sleeve that can extend and contract relative to each other. This segmentation allows the extension and contraction allowance portion to absorb fluid pressure through controlled movement while maintaining the ability to absorb external forces through the spherical sliding mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
A limiting member is introduced as an intermediary component between the inner and outer fitting sleeves. This limiting member restricts the extension of the extension and contraction allowance portion, preventing unnecessary extension due to fluid pressure while still allowing sufficient movement to absorb external forces such as those from earthquakes or land subsidence.
2Strength
If the extension and contraction allowance portion is designed to absorb external forces, then the joint can withstand earthquakes and land subsidence, but pressure fluid causes unnecessary extension that reduces this absorption capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The limiting member is pre-configured to exert a counteracting force against the extension caused by fluid pressure. By establishing this preliminary anti-action, the system prevents the extension and contraction allowance portion from extending unnecessarily under pressure, thereby maintaining its absorption capacity for external forces without requiring active control during operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the connection sleeve allows relative movement between inner and outer fitting sleeves, then the joint can absorb external forces through extending and contracting motion, but pressure fluid induces unnecessary extension
Solution Approach 1:
The limiting member is designed with a predetermined structure that establishes the maximum extension limit before operation. This preliminary action defines the movement range of the extension and contraction allowance portion, ensuring that the joint can absorb external forces through controlled movement while preventing excessive extension caused by fluid pressure.
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 configuration maintains the extension and contraction allowance portion in a set state, enhancing the joint's ability to absorb external forces without leakage and simplifies assembly by preventing pressure fluid from inducing unnecessary extension, thus improving the joint's functionality and ease of assembly.
Implementation Method 1
an inner joint body with a spherical outer circumferential surface slidably fitted to a spherical inner circumferential surface of the outer joint body
Implementation Method 2
a fluid chamber into which a portion of a pressure fluid in a flow path diverges and flows, and configured to apply fluid pressure applied to pressure receiving surfaces of the fluid chamber
Data Source
AI summary
An extendable and contractible flexible joint having a pair of flexible joint portions, which are bendable and fitted and connected to a connection sleeve, in a direction of a pipe axial line. An extending motion limiting portion includes a fluid chamber into which a portion of a pressure fluid in a flow path diverges and flows, and is configured to apply a fluid pressure applied to pressure receiving surfaces of the fluid chamber. An inner joint body of each of both the flexible joint portions is configured to be attachable and detachable to and from the connection sleeve, and an outer joint body and the inner joint body of each of both the flexible joint portions are configured to be attachable and detachable to and from each other.