Pipe Connector Centering Sleeve Thermal Expansion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pipe connectors in the food industry face challenges with thermal expansion, leading to potential damage and difficulties in maintenance due to misalignment, which complicates cleaning processes, as they often rely on flange connections that may not adequately center the pipes.

Innovation Solution

A pipe connector with a centering sleeve that extends along the entire length of the compensator, combined with guide belts and mounting aids, ensures a centered connection between pipes and the connector, preventing overexpansion and facilitating easy installation and removal without axial movement of the pipes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If flange connections are used to connect pipes and pipe connector, then the connection can be made detachably, but the pipes may not be adequately centered due to play in the radial direction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetachable connectionVSAvoidcentering accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A centering sleeve is introduced as an intermediary component between the flange connections and the pipe connector. The centering sleeve has an inner diameter that is only slightly larger than the diameter of the pipe ends and compensator ends, providing precise radial positioning. This mediator ensures accurate centering while maintaining the detachable nature of the flange connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If the pipe connector is not centered, then installation is simpler, but adequate cleaning by flushing cannot be guaranteed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidcleaning effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The centering sleeve is installed beforehand on the pipe ends before connecting to the pipe connector. This preliminary action ensures that the pipes are pre-centered and aligned properly, creating optimal flushing conditions from the start. The centering sleeve remains in place during operation to maintain the centered arrangement, ensuring cleaning effectiveness without complicating the installation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If a one-piece centering sleeve is used, then centering precision is improved, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecentering precisionVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The centering sleeve is divided into two separate halves that can be assembled around the compensator. Each half-sleeve can be independently positioned and then joined together using clamps or fastening elements. This segmentation allows for easier assembly and disassembly while maintaining the precise centering function of the complete sleeve structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Stability of the object's composition

If the centering sleeve extends along the entire length of the compensator, then overexpansion is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradial stabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The centering sleeve is designed with varying properties along its length. The sleeve is continuous and provides full constraint in the central region where the compensator is most prone to overexpansion. At the ends of the compensator, the sleeve may be interrupted by holes or openings, reducing constraint where it is less critical. This local variation in quality optimizes radial stability while minimizing unnecessary structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 solution effectively compensates for thermal expansion, ensures proper centering for easy cleaning, and simplifies maintenance by allowing for the secure and detachable connection of pipes without axial movement, reducing the risk of damage and maintenance complexity.

Implementation Method 1

Such a sleeve can exert uniform pressure and can therefore be advantageous, for example, in comparison to a screwed joint using flange connections alone

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUniform pressure: Pressure Increase