Modular Pipe Unit Cuff with Linear Guide for Shaft Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing modular systems for arranging pipe units in shafts are costly to produce and inflexible due to their one-piece design and fixed radially protruding elements, making them unsuitable for various shaft geometries and cross-sections.
Innovation Solution
A modular system with a sleeve-like element and a radially protruding member that can be separately manufactured and connected, featuring a tool-free, manually operable clamping device and a linear guide for adjustable positioning, allowing for flexible adaptation to different shaft geometries and easy replacement of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the cuff-like element and radially projecting element are formed as a one-piece structure, then the structural stability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases and flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular system divides the previously one-piece structure into separate components: a cuff-like element and a radially projecting element that can be detachably connected. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using simpler, more cost-effective processes while maintaining the overall structural stability through the connection mechanism between parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The radially projecting element is designed to be detachably connected to the cuff-like element, allowing one component to be attached to or nested within the other. This nesting approach enables separate manufacturing of components followed by assembly, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while preserving structural integrity when assembled.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the radially projecting element is fixed or immovably attached to the cuff-like element, then the structural stability is improved, but the adaptability to various shaft geometries decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the radially projecting element and the cuff-like element is designed to be detachable rather than fixed, introducing dynamic reconfigurability to the system. This allows the radially projecting element to be positioned, removed, or replaced based on the specific geometry of different shafts, enhancing adaptability while maintaining structural stability when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable connection design enables the modular system to serve multiple functions and adapt to various shaft geometries and cross-sections. The same cuff-like element can be used with different radially projecting elements configured for specific shaft types, making the system universally applicable across different installation scenarios.
3Ease of manufacture
If the radially projecting element is detachably connected to the cuff-like element, then the manufacturing cost is reduced and flexibility is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the structure into detachable components, the system simplifies manufacturing processes for each individual part while the overall device complexity is managed through standardized connection interfaces. The segmentation allows for simpler, more cost-effective production of each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable connection introduces a dynamic element that, while adding some complexity to the assembly mechanism, enables greater flexibility and adaptability. This controlled complexity is offset by the benefits of reduced manufacturing costs and enhanced versatility across different applications.
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 modular system reduces production costs, enhances flexibility, and allows for simple and stable arrangement of pipe units in shafts, enabling optimal cooling and adaptation to various shaft geometries without the need for additional assembly tools.
Implementation Method 1
the cuff-like element forms a force-fit or form-fit connection with the pipe unit in the locking position of the end regions
Implementation Method 2
the two end regions together comprise a clamping device that can be actuated without tools and manually for establishing the locking position
Implementation Method 3
the radially projecting element can be brought into contact with an inner wall of the shaft by means of the modular system, so that the pipe unit can be guided or fixed within the shaft at a distance from the inner wall
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~9
Figure 10~14
AI summary
The invention relates to a modular system (10) and a method for arranging a pipe unit, as well as a pipe unit, in particular a pipe unit consisting of at least two pipe elements coaxially connected to one another, wherein the modular system comprises a cuff-like element (11) that can be arranged on the pipe unit and at least one element (12, 13) arranged on the cuff-like element and projecting radially from the cuff-like element with respect to a longitudinal axis of the cuff-like element, wherein the cuff-like element has two end regions (14, 15) circumferentially connected to one another in a locking position of the cuff-like element, wherein the cuff-like element forms a force-fit or form-fit with the pipe unit in the locking position of the end regions, wherein the two end regions together comprise a clamping device (16) that can be actuated without tools and manually for producing the locking position.wherein the radially projecting organ is detachably connectable to the cuff-like element, wherein the cuff-like element has on a side (25) of the cuff-like element facing away from the pipe unit, a linear guide (19) extending in a direction (24) of a circumference of the cuff-like element and preferably extending almost over the entire circumference, along which the radially projecting organ is movable.