Flexible Line Connection Tip With Vault Locking Against Axial Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible hose fittings for hydrocarbon pipelines suffer from weak points where the flexible hose pressure arch connects to the fitting, leading to axial displacement or separation, particularly under extreme conditions of high pressure and temperature.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle design that includes a locking system with a retaining assembly and crimping mechanism to secure the stapled pressure arch to the end arch, using crimping rings and locking members to prevent relative displacement and ensure sealing integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a connection tip is crimped onto a flexible line using conventional methods, then the connection is secure, but the flexible line is damaged and becomes brittle at the connection point
Solution Approach 1:
The connection tip is divided into two separate parts: a crimp portion that interfaces with the flexible line and a connection portion that interfaces with the mounting bracket. This segmentation allows the crimp portion to be optimized for secure attachment while the connection portion provides structural strength, preventing the entire flexible line from becoming brittle.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection tip acts as an intermediary component between the flexible line and the mounting bracket. By introducing this intermediate element, the direct crimping contact is localized to the crimp portion of the tip rather than the flexible line itself, protecting the flexible line's integrity while still achieving secure connection through the tip's design.
2Reliability
If a connection tip is crimped onto a flexible line, then the connection is secure, but the flexible line loses its flexibility at the connection point
Solution Approach 1:
The connection tip is segmented into a crimp portion and a connection portion, allowing the crimping action to be isolated to the tip's crimp portion. This prevents the flexible line from undergoing deformation that would reduce its flexibility, while the tip's structure maintains secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection tip serves as a mediator that decouples the crimping process from the flexible line. The flexible line connects to the crimp portion without direct crimping deformation, preserving its flexibility, while the tip transmits the secure connection force to the mounting bracket through its connection portion.
3Ease of operation
If the connection tip has a T-shape design, then mounting is simplified, but the tip protrudes beyond the flexible line's end
Solution Approach 1:
The connection tip is designed so that its overall length does not exceed the length of the flexible line, with the T-shaped connection portion extending laterally rather than longitudinally. This nesting approach allows the T-shape to provide simplified mounting without the tip protruding beyond the flexible line's end profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The T-shaped connection portion extends in a lateral dimension rather than a longitudinal dimension. This dimensional change allows the mounting simplification benefits of the T-shape to be achieved without increasing the tip's length beyond the flexible line's end, maintaining proper profile alignment.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a connection tip for a flexible fluid transport line (2). The flexible line includes a pressure sheath (20), an interlocked pressure vault (28), and at least one tensional reinforcement layer (24, 25). The reinforcement layer includes a plurality of reinforcement elements. The tip includes an end vault (50), a cover (51), a front crimping flange (87) of the pressure sheath, and a system (55) for locking the interlocked pressure vault relative to the end vault. The locking system (55) includes an inwardly curved holding assembly (100) that is radially mounted between the end region of the interlocked pressure vault and the front crimping flange.