Multi-Walled Line Coupling With Pre-Temperature Gas-Tight Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-walled line couplings are not gas-tight until they reach their operation temperature, leading to potential leakage and environmental contamination by cryogenic fluids due to manufacturing tolerances and the creation of a dead space between seals.
Innovation Solution
A coupling design with compressible and expandable concentric tubes and seals that maintain a fluid-tight connection before reaching operation temperature, compensating for manufacturing tolerances through axial compression and expansion, and incorporating corrugated tubes to enhance thermal insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional rigid coupling parts are used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the coupling is not gas-tight until operation temperature is reached due to manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and dimensional parameters of the coupling parts by introducing thermal expansion and compression effects. The coupling parts are designed to change their dimensions in response to temperature changes and applied forces, transforming from a rigid fixed-dimension structure to a dynamic adaptive structure that achieves gas-tight sealing through parameter changes rather than relying solely on tight manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic elements to the otherwise static rigid coupling structure. The coupling parts can dynamically adjust their dimensions through thermal expansion when heated and compression when force is applied, allowing the system to adapt to manufacturing tolerances and achieve reliable gas-tight connections under varying operating conditions rather than requiring perfect static fit
2Reliability
If two seals are used in the coupling, then sealing reliability is improved, but a dead space is created where cryogenic fluid accumulates and cannot be removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts or eliminates the problematic dead space that accumulates cryogenic fluid between the two seals. By removing this trapped volume, the harmful accumulation of cryogenic fluid is prevented, while the sealing function is maintained through alternative design features that avoid creating enclosed spaces where fluid can be trapped
3Reliability
If tight manufacturing tolerances are applied to ensure proper seal function, then sealing performance is improved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes through thermal expansion and compression to compensate for manufacturing tolerances, allowing looser tolerance specifications while maintaining reliable seal function. This reduces manufacturing complexity and production costs compared to requiring tight tolerances
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the coupling is designed to be gas-tight at all temperatures, then environmental safety is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves gas-tight sealing through parameter changes in the coupling parts themselves (thermal expansion and compression) rather than adding complex auxiliary sealing systems. This maintains environmental safety while avoiding excessive structural complexity by using the inherent physical properties of the coupling materials
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling parts perform their own sealing function through their response to temperature and force changes, without requiring additional complex sealing mechanisms. The structure is self-adjusting and self-sealing, reducing overall system complexity while ensuring environmental safety
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
Ensures a gas-tight connection from the outset, preventing cryogenic fluid leakage and environmental pollution, while allowing for varied material choices and improved thermal insulation.
Implementation Method 1
The at least two concentric tubes of the female and/or male coupling parts are compressible and/or expandable in an axial direction... incorporating corrugated tubes to enhance thermal insulation
Implementation Method 2
The at least two concentric tubes of the female and/or male coupling parts are compressible and/or expandable in an axial direction... compensating for manufacturing tolerances through axial compression and expansion
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling for connecting a first and a second multi-walled line (203,204) having at least two concentric pipes (206,207) has a female coupling part (202) with at least two concentric tubes including an inner and an outer tube (217,218) each connected at one end with one of the concentric pipes (206,207) of the first multi-walled line (204), respectively. The coupling further has a male coupling (201) part having at least two concentric tubes including an inner and an outer tube (210,211) each connected at one end with one of the concentric pipes (206,207) of the second multi-walled line (203). The at least two concentric tubes of the female and/or male coupling parts are compressible and/or expandable in an axial direction to ensure a fluid tight connection between the male and female coupling part is already achieved when the coupling has not yet reached its operation temperature.