Flexible Short Pipe Shock Absorption for Deep Sea Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coupling pipes for lifting manganese nodules from the deep sea are inadequate in absorbing longitudinal shocks, bending loads, and torsional loads, leading to potential damage and disruption in the smooth operation of the collector due to structural limitations and lack of resistance to high pressures and fatigue loads.
Innovation Solution
A flexible short pipe with flanges at both ends, a curved inner layer, and a shock-absorbing mechanism between the inner and outer layers, featuring joints and shock absorbers that extend or contract to absorb longitudinal and bending forces, allowing for easy coupling and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional rigid coupling pipe is used to connect lifting pipes, then structural strength and pressure resistance are improved, but the ability to absorb longitudinal shocks, bending loads, and torsional loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling pipe is divided into multiple segments (first coupling section, second coupling section, and intermediate section) that can move relative to each other. The intermediate section contains multiple bellows structures that act as independent shock-absorbing units, allowing the pipe to segment and flex under load while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate section employs bellows structures made of flexible material that can expand and contract axially and bend angularly. These flexible bellows shells absorb longitudinal shocks through axial compression/expansion and accommodate bending loads through angular deflection, while the coupling sections provide rigid structural strength and pressure resistance.
2Ease of manufacture
If a simple linear coupling pipe structure is used, then manufacturing ease and device simplicity are improved, but resistance to bending loads and torsional loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling pipe is divided into multiple segments (first coupling section, second coupling section, and intermediate section) that can move relative to each other. The intermediate section contains multiple bellows structures that act as independent shock-absorbing units, allowing the pipe to segment and flex under load while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate section employs bellows structures made of flexible material that can expand and contract axially and bend angularly. These flexible bellows shells absorb longitudinal shocks through axial compression/expansion and accommodate bending loads through angular deflection, while the coupling sections provide rigid structural strength and pressure resistance.
3Ease of repair
If frequent installation and removal of lifting pipes is required, then system maintenance capability is improved, but the durability of the coupling structure deteriorates due to repeated stress
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling pipe incorporates dynamic elements including the bellows structures that can flex and the detachable flange connections that allow assembly/disassembly. The bellows provide dynamic shock absorption during operation, while the flange connections enable dynamic reconfiguration for maintenance without causing fatigue damage to the coupling structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling pipe is divided into multiple segments (first coupling section, second coupling section, and intermediate section) that can move relative to each other. The intermediate section contains multiple bellows structures that act as independent shock-absorbing units, allowing the pipe to segment and flex under load while maintaining overall structural integrity.
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 flexible short pipe effectively absorbs shocks, resists bending and torsional loads, ensuring reliable operation of the lifting system by maintaining the integrity of the coupling between lifting pipes and reducing the risk of damage from external forces and pressure variations.
Implementation Method 1
a shock absorbing means (4) positioned between the inner layer (2) and the outer layer (3) and absorbing longitudinal force and bending force
Implementation Method 2
a sealing element (432) provided on the rod (423) and having a shape corresponding to an outer surface of the movable part (422)
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a flexible short pipe having a shock absorbing function. The flexible short pipe has flexibility so as to absorb shocks generated in the longitudinal direction of a lifting pipe (or flexible pipe) and have resistance to a bending load or a torsional load when being wound around a roller. The flexible short pipe includes flanges provided at upper and lower ends thereof to be coupled to a unit lifting pipe or flexible pipe. An inner layer has a curved shape and is provided between the upper and lower flanges to allow slurry, lifted up or discharged by a lifting pump, to flow along the inner layer. An outer layer has a curved shape and surrounds the inner layer. A shock absorbing means is positioned between the inner layer and the outer layer, and absorbs longitudinal force and bending force.