Flexible Joint Assembly for Thermal Expansion in Fluid Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Fluid flow systems, particularly in aircraft, face challenges with thermal expansion and contraction due to high or low temperature gases, leading to system instability and potential leaks at joints.

Innovation Solution

A flexible joint assembly comprising axially spaced standoffs with inner flow liners, insulation, and a bellows member that allows angular movement, coupled with inner and outer races with arcuate bearing surfaces, providing a sealed and flexible connection to accommodate thermal changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If rigid joints are used in high temperature gas flow systems, then structural strength is maintained, but thermal expansion and contraction cause system instability and potential leaks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidthermal expansion accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The joint assembly incorporates a bellows member that transforms the rigid structure into a dynamic system capable of accommodating thermal expansion and contraction through controlled deformation, while maintaining structural integrity through the bearing assembly and standoff configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows for changes in geometric parameters (angular position, axial distance) through the bellows member's flexibility, enabling the joint to adapt to thermal expansion and contraction while maintaining sealed connection through the bearing and flow liner design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If flexible connections are used to accommodate thermal expansion, then adaptability is improved, but sealing reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal expansion accommodationVSAvoidsealing integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bellows member serves as a flexible shell that provides both the adaptability needed for thermal expansion accommodation and the sealing integrity required to prevent leaks, combining flexibility with sealed connection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing assembly acts as an intermediary between the flexible bellows member and the rigid tube segments, enabling controlled movement while maintaining sealed connection through the inner flow liners and bearing race configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Temperature

If insulation is added to reduce exterior temperature, then thermal protection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexterior temperature reductionVSAvoidjoint assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insulation layer is nested within the annular space formed by the inner flow liner and outer housing, utilizing existing structural voids for thermal insulation without adding external components, thereby reducing overall complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Adaptability or versatility

If angular movement capability is added to accommodate thermal expansion, then adaptability is improved, but frictional resistance increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular movement capabilityVSAvoidfrictional resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing assembly replaces direct mechanical contact between tube segments with a low-friction bearing interface, enabling angular movement while minimizing frictional resistance through the bearing race and roller configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution enables a fully sealed, leak-proof joint that maintains reduced temperature on the exterior while allowing angular movement to accommodate thermal expansion, ensuring durability and reducing frictional resistance through self-lubricating graphite bearings.

Implementation Method 1

The hot gas can elevate the operating temperatures of the duct system, which can result in substantive thermal expansion and/or contraction of the system during operation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 2

Insulation is in the annular space between each inner flow liner and the respective one of the standoffs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 3

A bearing portion is between the inner and outer races and configured to engage the bearing surface at least when the first and second standoffs move angularly relative to each other

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10302231B2Flexible joint assembly for high or low temperature fluid systems

Publication Date: 2019.05.28 EXOTIC METALS FORMING CO LLC

AI summary

A flexible joint assembly is disclosed for use in an extreme temperature fluid flow system. In an embodiment, the flexible joint assembly can be used in a fluid flow system configured to carry high temperature fluid, such air or other gas, and/or in a fluid flow system configured to carry low temperature fluid, such air or other gas.