Grid Spring Clamping Device for Thermal Expansion Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flow modules or reactors with plates made from materials with high temperature expansion coefficients and low modulus of elasticity face challenges in maintaining tension without causing leakage or damage across a wide temperature range, and in evenly distributing contact pressure to prevent unevenness and leakage.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device using a grid of springs between end plates to distribute tension evenly across the plates, allowing for adjustable clamping forces that can be monitored by measuring spring compression, and using tension rods to maintain tension within acceptable limits, independent of load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid clamping structures (framework, screws, tension rods) are used to maintain tension, then structural strength is improved, but thermal expansion damage and leakage increase due to high temperature expansion coefficient and low modulus of elasticity of plate materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the clamping system by replacing rigid clamping elements with elastic springs. This transforms the system from rigid (high modulus) to flexible (low modulus), allowing the clamping force to adapt to thermal expansion of the plates. The springs can compress and extend to accommodate dimensional changes while maintaining adequate clamping force, thereby preventing leakage and damage during temperature cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by using elastic springs that can absorb and compensate for thermal expansion forces before they cause damage. The springs are pre-loaded to provide a baseline clamping force and are designed with sufficient travel range to accommodate the maximum expected thermal expansion, thereby cushioning the plates against harmful stresses throughout the temperature range.
2Ease of manufacture
If concentrated clamping forces are applied at plate edges, then ease of manufacture is improved, but plate unevenness and leakage increase due to non-uniform contact pressure distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the clamping force application from concentrated edge loads into distributed point loads through multiple springs arranged in a grid pattern across the plate surface. This segmentation of the clamping system allows the force to be distributed to multiple contact points, creating a more uniform pressure distribution that maintains plate flatness while still being relatively simple to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional edge clamping to two-dimensional distributed clamping by arranging springs in a grid pattern across the plate surface. This dimensional change from edge-only support to area-wide support distributes the clamping force more uniformly across the plate, preventing localized deformation and maintaining flatness.
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
This solution ensures consistent clamping forces across the plate area, reducing the risk of leakage and damage, while allowing for flexible force distribution and compensation for thermal expansion, maintaining effective sealing and structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
placing a stack of plates on a grid of springs, which is placed between two end plates. The tension rods can then be kept tensioned within acceptable limits. Another advantage is that the clamping forces get evenly distributed over the whole plate area of the stacked plates
Implementation Method 2
Flow modules or reactors, which comprise plates stacked together and with plates manufactured in materials having large temperature expansion coefficient and low modulus of elasticity, operate over a wide temperature range. The large temperature expansion coefficient and low modulus of elasticity of the materials of the plates, compared to framework, screws, tension rods and end plates etc. can cause damages or leakage.
Data Source
AI summary
A clamping device includes two end plates, disc springs, a grid of pistons, and tension rods. Each of the two end plates defines a plate area located within a perimeter thereof. The clamping device has piles of disc springs arranged as a grid of springs threaded on respective ones of the grid of pistons. The piles of disc springs is distributed and supported over the plate area on one of the two end plates. The grid of springs is positioned inwardly from the tension rods. The grid of springs is positioned to distribute clamping forces on one or more flow module plates, on one or more reactor plates, on one or more heat exchanger plates or on combinations of one or more flow module plates, one or more reactor plates, or on one or more heat exchanger plates, which plates are placed between the two end plates.