Pipe Coupling With Frustoconical Flanges for Ball-Joint Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling devices for pipes, such as those with bellows or guide systems, are either too heavy due to the amplitude of movements they accommodate or unsuitable for pipes with large cross sections, leading to inefficiencies in weight and movement control.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device featuring a first and second part with frustoconical flanges and a clamp system that allows for relative movement between pipes, utilizing a concave and convex spherical contact surface with a seal and clamping mechanism to maintain contact while allowing slippage, thereby reducing weight and accommodating various pipe sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If bellows are used to accommodate relative movements between pipes, then movement control is improved, but the mass of the coupling device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into separate components: a first part with a frustoconical flange, a second part with a corresponding flange, and a clamp assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall mass while maintaining movement control capabilities through the spherical contact surfaces and clamp mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses spherical contact surfaces between the first and second parts, where the first contact surface is concave spherical and the second contact surface is convex spherical. This spheroidal geometry enables rotational movements and accommodates misalignments without requiring heavy bellows structures, thus controlling movement while reducing mass.
2Ease of operation
If a guide system is added to control relative movements, then movement control is improved, but the mass of the coupling device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide system is replaced by spherical contact surfaces (concave and convex) that inherently guide the relative movements between pipes. This eliminates the need for separate guide system components, maintaining movement control while significantly reducing the mass of the coupling device.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional guide system is extracted and replaced by the inherent guiding capability of the spherical contact surfaces between the first and second parts. This extraction eliminates unnecessary components while preserving the essential function of controlling relative movements.
3Reliability
If a clamp system with spherical contact surfaces is used, then sealing and movement capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp assembly integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides clamping force to maintain contact between the frustoconical flanges, accommodates thermal expansion through the grooved design, and maintains sealing pressure. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible seal element is used between the first and second parts to maintain sealing under varying conditions. The flexibility of the seal allows it to adapt to movements and thermal expansions while maintaining reliable sealing, reducing the need for complex adjustment mechanisms.
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 results in a compact coupling device with lower mass that maintains the same amplitude of movement as prior art devices, suitable for pipes with large cross sections and ensuring effective sealing and relative movement.
Implementation Method 1
at least one clamp (44) configured to keep the first and second contact surfaces (F46, F50) pressed against one another while allowing them to slip relative to one another
Implementation Method 2
The first contact surface (F46) has a concave spherical shape and the second contact surface (F50) has a convex spherical shape
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling device configured to couple first and second pipes, which comprises a first part coupled to the first pipe and which has a first contact surface, a second part coupled to the second pipe, separate from the first part, and which has a second contact surface configured to collaborate with the first contact surface, at least one clamp comprising at least one clamping jaw comprising a groove, configured to collaborate with the first and second parts, which has a cross section such that a concentric tightening of the clamp causes the first and second contact surfaces to be kept pressed against one another. Thus, the coupling device makes it possible to obtain a ball joint type connection between the first and second pipes.