Pipe Coupling Safety Fastener Sleeve for Vibration Resilience
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipe coupling systems in turbine engines face mechanical stress issues due to vibrations, leading to potential breakage and the need for redundant pipes to ensure fluid supply, which increases cost, weight, and maintenance burdens.
Innovation Solution
A coupling system with safety fastener means, including a sleeve with a hook-forming end that engages the coupling and pipe in case of fastening connection damage, allowing for continued fluid supply with minimal leakage without requiring redundant pipes, and allowing visual inspection of the fastening connection for damage detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redundant pipes are provided to ensure fluid supply in case of breakage, then reliability is improved, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies beforehand cushioning by providing a safety fastener device that acts as a backup fastening mechanism. The device includes a safety element with a hook that can engage with the coupling if the primary fastening connection fails, preventing pipe separation and ensuring continued fluid supply without needing redundant pipes
Solution Approach 2:
The safety fastener device acts as an intermediary between the pipe and coupling, providing an additional layer of security. The safety element with its hook-forming end serves as a mediating structure that engages only when the primary fastening fails, transferring the load from the failed connection to the safety mechanism
2Reliability
If redundant pipes are provided to ensure fluid supply in case of breakage, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the safety function into the existing fastening connection structure. Instead of adding separate redundant pipes, the safety fastener device is integrated with the coupling assembly, combining the primary fastening and safety functions into a single coordinated system
Solution Approach 2:
The safety fastener device serves multiple functions: it acts as a backup fastening mechanism, provides visual inspection capability through openings in the sleeve, and maintains a compact integrated structure. The single device performs what would otherwise require multiple separate components
3Strength
If the safety fastener means remain unloaded during normal operation, then their mechanical strength is preserved, but they must be designed to engage only after damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The safety fastener device employs dynamics by designing the hook element to remain disengaged during normal operation and automatically engage only when the primary fastening connection fails. The sleeve with openings allows visual monitoring of the fastening connection state, enabling the system to transition from an unloaded safe state to an engaged protective state based on actual conditions
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 safety fastener means effectively take over the fastening function in case of damage, preserving mechanical strength and eliminating the need for redundant pipes, ensuring continuous fluid supply while minimizing mechanical loading and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
the first end of the sleeve is welded to the pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling system including a coupling for fastening to one end of a pipe via a fastening connection is provided. The coupling system includes a safety fastener device in the form of a sleeve surrounding the fastening connection and having a first end for welding to the pipe, and a hook-forming second end for co-operating with the coupling in such a manner that the hook is suitable for providing fastening between the coupling and the pipe in the event of the fastening connection is damaged.