Flexible Pipe Joint With Integrated Vent Passage for Annulus Gas Venting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flexible pipe connections suffer from gas accumulation in the annulus region, leading to potential rupture and performance degradation due to uncontrolled gas release and moisture ingress, with external jumper tubes being fragile and obstructive during rehabilitation.

Innovation Solution

A flexible pipe connector with an elongate tubular element and vent passages that facilitate internal gas transmission between connected pipes, eliminating the need for external jumper tubes and providing a direct vent path within the connector.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If external jumper tubes are used to transmit gas between connected pipes, then gas transmission is achieved, but the device becomes fragile and obstructive during rehabilitation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas transmission reliabilityVSAvoidexternal jumper tube complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the gas transmission function directly into the connector body by forming a vent passage through the raised central region, merging the gas venting function with the structural connector components. This eliminates the need for separate external jumper tubes and their associated end fittings, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining gas transmission reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the gas transmission function from the external jumper tube system and relocates it into the connector body itself. By forming a vent passage directly through the raised central region of the connector, the design removes the fragile external jumper tubes and their vulnerable machined vent holes, eliminating the harmful factors associated with external components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If vent holes are machined in end fittings for jumper tubes, then gas pathway is created, but the structure becomes fragile and prone to uncontrolled gas release

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas venting operationVSAvoidcontrolled gas release reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of creating vent holes in end fittings that require external jumper tubes, the patent inverts the approach by forming the vent passage directly through the raised central region of the connector body. This reversal of the traditional design eliminates the fragility associated with machined vent holes in thin-walled end fittings and provides a more robust gas transmission pathway.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The raised central region of the connector acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates gas transmission between connected pipes. By forming a vent passage through this central region, the design creates a controlled gas pathway that is structurally integrated into the connector, eliminating the need for fragile end fitting modifications and external jumper tubes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If traditional end-to-end connection is used, then pipe connection is achieved, but gas accumulation in annulus region causes rupture and performance degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepipe connection reliabilityVSAvoidgas accumulation harm

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the connector body into distinct functional regions, including a raised central region that houses the vent passage. This segmentation allows for dedicated gas transmission pathways that are integrated into the connector structure, enabling controlled gas release from the annulus region while maintaining the integrity of the pipe connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The vent passage formed through the raised central region serves as an intermediary pathway that facilitates controlled gas transmission between connected pipes. This integrated gas pathway eliminates the harmful effects of gas accumulation in the annulus region by providing a designated route for gas escape, thereby preventing rupture and performance degradation while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 ensures controlled gas venting and reduces the risk of pipe rupture and performance degradation by eliminating external obstructions, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of flexible pipe connections.

Implementation Method 1

providing a vent path from an annular region of the first flexible pipe to a corresponding annular region of the second flexible pipe via a vent passage extending at least partially across a raised central region of the elongate tubular element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas transmission through vent passage: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS12510196B2Flexible pipe joint

Publication Date: 2025.12.30 FLEXSTEEL USA LLC

AI summary

A method and apparatus for securing a flexible pipe to a further flexible pipe in an end-to-end configuration, wherein the apparatus includes and the method utilizes an elongate tubular element having a first and second end and an outer surface comprising a raised central region. At least one vent passage extends at least partially across the raised central region.