Flexible Pipe Compensator Clamping for Vibration-Tight Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compensator arrangements in transport systems, such as those used in food transport, face sealing issues during vibrant transport processes and require quick assembly while ensuring maximum tightness and long service life.
Innovation Solution
A compensator arrangement featuring a flexible intermediate member with radially protruding end flanges, clamped between fixing units with bolt-based clamping devices and counter-rings, providing a fluid-tight connection that is easily assembled and disassembled for replacement, and made of transparent plastic for monitoring purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a flexible pipe with circumferential beads is used for quick assembly, then assembly speed is improved, but sealing reliability deteriorates during vibrant transport processes
Solution Approach 1:
The compensator is divided into modular components: a flexible intermediate member with end flanges, fixing units with clamping devices, and detachable connecting members. This segmentation allows for quick assembly while maintaining reliable sealing through precise clamping interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping devices are pre-configured with clamping arms and fastening elements that can be quickly engaged with the end flanges. The preliminary positioning features on the flanges enable rapid alignment and secure connection without complex assembly steps.
2Ease of repair
If a detachable clamping device with bolts and elongated recesses is used, then ease of maintenance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible intermediate member is extracted as a separate, replaceable component with detachable end flanges. This allows the intermediate member to be easily removed and replaced without affecting the fixed connecting members, simplifying maintenance while using a straightforward bolt-clamp mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The end flanges act as intermediary components between the flexible intermediate member and the rigid fixing units. These flanges provide standardized interfaces for the clamping devices, simplifying the connection mechanism while enabling easy maintenance through standardized replacement procedures.
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 solution ensures maximum tightness, long service life, and quick exchange of the flexible intermediate member, while maintaining reliable sealing and adaptability to different pipe cross-sections, effectively addressing sealing issues and facilitating easy maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The clamping device (14, 24) comprises bolts (15) and elongated recesses (13a) for receiving the bolts (15)... the radial end flange (31, 32) of the flexible intermediate member (30) is clamped between the fixing flange (11b, 21b) of the connecting member (11, 21) and the counter-ring (12, 22) in a fluid-tight manner
Data Source
AI summary
A compensator arrangement comprising a first fixing unit, a second fixing unit, and an intermediate flexible member removably arranged between the first fixing unit and the second fixing unit and comprising a main body, a first radial end flange and a second radial end flange, wherein the first fixing unit comprises a first connecting member having a first connecting body and a first fixing flange having a plurality of through-holes, a first counter ring, a first clamping ring and a first clamping device for releasably clamping the first radial end flange.