Pipe Connection Device With Mechanical Actuation and Inflatable Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection devices for pipes in hostile environments are complex, unreliable, and prone to fluid leaks, requiring hydraulic or pneumatic actuation mechanisms and being unsuitable for connecting more than two pipes, with risks of contamination and dependency on pressure resistance.
Innovation Solution
A connection device with a compact actuation mechanism inside a support box, using a control rod and inflatable seals to establish a sealed connection without hydraulic or pneumatic actuation, allowing for multiple pipe connections and preventing fluid leaks, featuring a single actuating part for multiple telescopic systems and a positioning system with motorized control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic or pneumatic actuation mechanisms are used to actuate telescopic elements, then the connection device can operate in hostile environments, but the mechanism becomes complex and prone to fluid leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hydraulic or pneumatic actuation systems with a purely mechanical actuation mechanism. A motor (12) drives a reduction gear (13) that converts rotational motion into linear motion through a sector gear (18) and rack (17) system, eliminating the need for hydraulic fluid or compressed gas and their associated seals and pressure vessels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the hydraulic or pneumatic actuation system from the connection device, removing the source of potential fluid leaks and simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining the ability to actuate the telescopic elements reliably
2Ease of operation
If opposed pistons are used to actuate telescopic elements, then the telescopic elements can be pushed outward, but the mechanism requires four pairs of opposed pistons distributed circumferentially increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple actuation functions into a single integrated mechanism. One motor (12) with a single reduction gear (13) drives four sector gears (18) simultaneously through a common rack (17), eliminating the need for four separate piston assemblies and their associated control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuation mechanism with one motor and one reduction gear serves multiple functions by simultaneously actuating all four telescopic elements through the sector-gear-rack arrangement, making the system more efficient and easier to operate
3Stability of the object's composition
If connection position is maintained by pressure resistance of hydraulic or pneumatic circuit, then the connection can be held, but reliability problems arise and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pressure-dependent hydraulic or pneumatic positioning with a positive mechanical locking system. The rack (17) engages with the sector gear (18) to maintain the telescopic element position mechanically, eliminating dependency on fluid pressure and associated reliability issues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of fluid leaks into a benefit by eliminating the fluid system entirely. The mechanical actuation system not only prevents contamination from fluid leaks but also provides inherent position stability through gear engagement
4Reliability
If flared pipe mouths are required for sealed connection, then sealed connection can be achieved, but the device is not suitable for various pipe configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inflatable seals (22) that can change their physical parameters (volume, pressure, shape) to adapt to different pipe configurations. The seals can be inflated to different degrees to accommodate various pipe diameters and mouth configurations while maintaining reliable 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
The solution provides a simpler, more reliable connection mechanism that maintains position without fluid leaks, suitable for various pipe configurations and environments, including nuclear reactors, and allows for connections to multiple pipes without the need for flared mouths.
Implementation Method 1
said tubular element is provided with at least one inflatable joint (22) which makes it possible to establish a sealed connection between the telescopic tubular element and the corresponding pipe
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The connecting device (1) includes at least one telescopic connecting system (10) mounted onto a carrier housing (2) and actuatable by an actuating mechanism so as to be released from and connected to a pipe (100). The telescopic connecting system (10) is connected to a first portion (30) of the actuating mechanism, said first portion being arranged inside the carrier housing (2), and the actuating mechanism includes a control rod (31) passing through at least one wall of the carrier housing (2) and connecting said first portion (30) to a control system placed outside the carrier housing.