Flexible Pipe Joint Insert With Helical Thread for Full-Bore Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joints for flexible pipes in the oil hydraulics sector cause significant reduction in fluid flow diameter, require high thrusting force for insertion, and can damage the pipe during assembly, necessitating specialized tools and potentially leading to leaks or pipe breakages.
Innovation Solution
A joint design featuring a helical thread on the insert's end portion for screwing into the pipe, which reduces the need for thrusting force and minimizes pipe damage, using commonly available tools, and maintains fluid communication without significant reduction in internal pipe diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard joint with insert is used to connect flexible pipes, then the connection is stable and pressure-tight, but the working diameter for fluid flow is greatly reduced (up to 78% reduction)
Solution Approach 1:
The insert transitions from a traditional axial insertion approach to a radial insertion approach. The compressible body is inserted radially through the pipe wall rather than axially through the entire pipe length, fundamentally changing the insertion dimension and enabling connection without significant diameter reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is divided into separate functional components: a compressible body for radial insertion and sealing, and a separate fastening mechanism (nut and bolt) for securing the connection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function optimally without interfering with the fluid flow path
2Ease of manufacture
If axial thrusting action is used to insert the insert into the pipe, then the insert can be forced inside the pipe, but considerable thrusting force is required and special tools are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion direction changes from axial to radial. The compressible body is inserted radially through the pipe wall using simple tools, eliminating the need for high axial thrusting forces and specialized insertion equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The compressibility of the body material is utilized to enable radial insertion through the pipe wall. By selecting materials with appropriate compressible properties, the body can be inserted radially with minimal force and then expand to create a secure connection
3Ease of manufacture
If axial thrusting force is applied to insert the insert, then the insert can be installed, but damage to the inner walls of the flexible pipe may occur
Solution Approach 1:
Radial insertion through the pipe wall avoids contact with the inner wall surface that occurs during axial insertion. The compressible body passes through the wall thickness rather than being pushed along the inner surface, eliminating scratching and damage risks
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe wall itself acts as an intermediary medium through which the compressible body passes. By utilizing the wall thickness as the insertion path, the method avoids direct harmful contact between the insert and the inner wall surface
4Strength
If the diameter of the insert is greater than the diameter of the flexible pipe, then the insert can provide a secure connection, but the reduction in internal nominal diameter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection strength is achieved through radial compression and circumferential locking rather than axial insertion. The compressible body expands radially within the pipe wall, creating a strong connection without requiring the insert to protrude axially and reduce the internal diameter
Solution Approach 2:
The compressible body is nested within the pipe wall structure after radial insertion. It expands to fit within the wall thickness, utilizing the pipe wall as a containment structure that provides connection strength without occupying axial space that would reduce the internal diameter
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Insert (10) for a joint (110) designed to be fixed to a flexible pipe (116) by radially compressing a bushing (114) positioned outside the pipe (116), which insert (10) comprises a body (14) with an end portion (16) designed to be inserted inside the flexible pipe (116). The end portion (16) comprises a helical thread (24) for allowing the insertion, by means of screwing, of the insert (10) into the pipe before compression of the bushing (114). The invention also relates to a joint (110) comprising the insert (10), an assembly comprising a flexible pipe (116) and the joint (110) and a method for fixing the joint (110) to the flexible pipe (116).