Folded Pipe Component for Flexible Pressure-Stable Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe components for media-conveying systems face challenges in achieving both high flexibility and pressure-stability, particularly in confined installation spaces where traditional bellows designs are limited by rigidity and material usage.
Innovation Solution
A pipe component design featuring a fold package with first folds extending around the outer circumference and second folds that extend partially around the circumference, allowing for increased flexibility and decoupling, while maintaining structural integrity and pressure stability through adjustable angles and material usage optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional bellows designs with folds extending perpendicular to the central line are used, then the pipe component maintains structural simplicity, but the flexibility and decoupling capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fold package is segmented into multiple fold regions (first fold region with folds extending around the entire outer circumference, second fold region with folds extending only part of the way around, and third fold region with folds extending around the entire outer circumference again). This segmentation allows different portions of the pipe component to have different flexibility characteristics, enabling the structure to achieve high adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different fold regions are designed with different fold configurations tailored to local requirements. The first and third fold regions have complete circumferential folds for maximum flexibility in those areas, while the second fold region has partial circumferential folds to maintain structural integrity where needed. This local differentiation optimizes flexibility without requiring complete redesign of the entire structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If folds extend around the entire outer circumference, then the pipe component achieves high flexibility, but the material usage and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending folds around the entire outer circumference throughout the entire length of the pipe component, the invention applies complete circumferential folds only in the first and third fold regions where maximum flexibility is needed. The second fold region uses partial circumferential folds, providing sufficient flexibility for the application while significantly reducing material consumption compared to a design with complete circumferential folds throughout.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pipe component is designed for high flexibility in confined spaces, then installation adaptability improves, but pressure-stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fold package structure implements local quality by concentrating complete circumferential folds in specific regions (first and third fold regions) where flexibility is most needed for installation and operation. The second fold region uses partial circumferential folds that maintain sufficient structural integrity to support pressure loads. This localized differentiation allows the pipe component to achieve high installation flexibility while maintaining adequate pressure-stability through strategically placed structural reinforcement.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a pipe component (10) having a pipe (11) between two end regions (14, 18), which comprises a fold package (30). The fold package (30) has at least one first fold region (32) having first folds (40) which extend around an outer circumference (24) of the pipe (11). The fold package (30) has at least one second fold region (34, 36) having second folds (42) which extend part of the way around the outer circumference (24).