Internal Spoke Gimbal Joint for Pressure Thrust Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gimbal expansion joints are either too massive or obstructive, failing to efficiently absorb pressure thrust loads while allowing angular rotation in any plane with minimal mass and simple construction.
Innovation Solution
A gimbal apparatus featuring a tubular envelope with a variable length and a rigid ring structure connected to diametrically opposite rim portions, with spokes bisecting the ring to provide rotational freedom and minimize weight and fluid flow obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional gimbal ring structure is used to absorb pressure thrust load and allow angular rotation, then the joint can achieve full pressure thrust load absorption and angular rotation in any plane, but the ring must be massive requiring large bellows envelope and increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous gimbal ring is segmented into multiple discrete spokes (typically six or more) that are linked together by tie-rods or ball and socket joints. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain load-bearing capacity while reducing material usage and overall mass, resolving the contradiction between strength and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bellows envelope is designed with sufficient flexibility to carry torsional loads, eliminating the need for a massive rigid ring. The flexible bellows structure can deform to accommodate angular rotation while maintaining structural integrity, reducing the required envelope size and overall device complexity.
2Strength
If multiple spokes (six or more) are used in the internally linked assembly to transfer loads, then the joint can achieve similar movement and load transfer capability, but the spokes obstruct fluid flow and require individual weld joins increasing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Adjacent spokes are merged into a single continuous structure rather than being separate components requiring individual weld joins. This merging reduces the number of weld joints required, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining load transfer capability. The continuous spoke structure also reduces fluid flow obstruction compared to multiple discrete spokes.
Solution Approach 2:
The spoke structure is extracted and redesigned as a continuous form that provides the necessary load transfer paths without requiring multiple discrete components. This extraction of the spoke concept from its traditional discrete implementation eliminates the need for numerous weld joints and reduces fluid flow obstruction.
3Device complexity
If the bellows is the only load path for torsion in the internally linked assembly, then the construction is simpler, but the bellows must be designed to handle all torsional loads which may increase its complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The bellows geometry and material properties are modified to increase its torsional stiffness and load-carrying capacity. By changing the parameters of the bellows structure (such as corrugation depth, wall thickness, or material selection), it can handle the full torsional load while maintaining construction simplicity with no additional torsion-bearing components.
Data Source
AI summary
A gimbal apparatus is disclosed, including a tubular envelope with a variable length between first and second rim structures. A rigid ring structure inside the tubular envelope is connected to diametrically opposite first and second portions of the first rim structure, and is connected to diametrically opposite first and second portions of the second rim structure. A spoke bisects the ring structure.