Offset Vacuum Pipe Coupling for Misalignment Without Bellows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum system pipe couplings face challenges with non-aligned pipes, as metal bellows deformation is limited, prone to failure under stress and vibration, and ineffective in preventing condensation due to limited heat conduction on corrugated surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum system pipe coupling design featuring offset end portions and a securing mechanism that allows relative rotation of coupling members to align axes without deformation, eliminating the need for flexible couplings and enabling effective heat distribution through a pipe heater on smooth surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a metal bellows is used to connect non-aligned pipes, then the coupling can accommodate lateral misalignment, but the bellows is stressed and prone to failure under vibration and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling member incorporates a spherical joint mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment and rotation to accommodate pipe misalignment. The spherical interface enables the coupling to adapt to lateral offsets through rotational movement rather than elastic deformation, maintaining structural integrity while providing flexibility for alignment compensation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a metal bellows is used to compensate for pipe non-alignment, then lateral deformation is possible, but the degree of deformation is limited and flanges may twist compromising joints
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical joint mechanism provides dynamic alignment adjustment through rotation, allowing the coupling to accommodate significant lateral misalignment without twisting the flanges. The spherical interface decouples the alignment adjustment function from the sealing function, maintaining flange perpendicularity while enabling positional adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling is divided into distinct functional zones: a rigid flange section for secure pipe connection, a spherical joint section for alignment compensation, and a sealing section for maintaining vacuum integrity. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with others.
3Temperature
If a pipe heater is applied to a bellows, then heating can be provided, but the heater contacts only limited surface area of corrugation peaks resulting in cold spots and condensation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the corrugated bellows structure from the design and replaces it with a smooth-walled coupling member featuring a spherical joint. This extraction eliminates the surface area problem, as the smooth cylindrical surface provides continuous, uniform contact for the pipe heater, ensuring even heat distribution and preventing condensation throughout the entire coupling surface.
4Manufacturing precision
If rigid inline vacuum system pipe couplings are used, then alignment precision is maintained, but they cannot be used when pipes are not aligned
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical joint mechanism transforms the rigid coupling into a dynamically adjustable connection. The coupling maintains precise sealing surfaces and flange alignment while allowing rotational movement at the spherical interface to accommodate pipe misalignment. This dynamic capability enables the coupling to adapt to various alignment conditions without compromising the precision required for vacuum sealing.
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 design compensates for significant pipe misalignment without stressing the coupling, reduces the risk of leaks and condensation, and ensures uniform heating, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of vacuum system connections.
Implementation Method 1
enabling effective heat distribution through a pipe heater on smooth surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum system pipe coupling includes a first coupling member defining a through passage, a second coupling member defining a through passage and a securing unit. The first coupling member has a first end portion having a first lengthways extending axis, a second end portion having a second lengthways extending axis that is laterally offset with respect to the first lengthways extending axis and a first connecting portion connecting the first and second end portions. The second coupling member has a third end portion having a third lengthways extending axis, a fourth end portion having a fourth lengthways extending axis that is laterally offset with respect to the third lengthways extending axis and a second connecting portion connecting the third and fourth end portions. The securing unit is configured to secure the first end portion to the third end portion with the first and third lengthways extending axes in alignment.