Expansion Compensator Assembly for Large Pipe Thermal Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing expansion compensators in pipe networks are inadequate for handling significant thermal expansions and contractions, particularly in plastic conduits, as they typically have limited expansion ranges and occupy too much space, making them unsuitable for all conduit materials and configurations.
Innovation Solution
A dual-function expansion compensator element with tubular stub ends and a tubular jacket that allows for longitudinal movement, capable of expanding up to 25-30 cm, suitable for both metal and plastic conduits, and can act as both an expansion and contraction compensator, while also serving as an assembly and disassembly fitting to correct orientation deviations and accommodate thermal changes without causing tensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional expansion bends are used to provide elasticity to conduits, then thermal expansion is absorbed, but the device occupies too much space
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion compensator element is nested within the existing conduit structure, with the tubular body fitting inside the conduit and the tubular jacket providing external guidance. This nesting approach allows the expansion mechanism to be integrated into the conduit without requiring additional external space, resolving the contradiction between expansion absorption capability and space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion compensator element incorporates movable tubular bodies that can dynamically expand and contract along the longitudinal axis in response to thermal changes. The guide means with shafts and flanges provide controlled movement while maintaining connection to the conduit, enabling the system to adapt to thermal expansion without requiring excessive space.
2Volume of moving object
If conventional expansion compensators are used, then space is minimized, but the expansion range is limited to 2-3 cm (or 5-8 cm for rubber)
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion compensator element is divided into multiple tubular bodies that can move independently relative to each other within the tubular jacket. Each tubular body contributes to the overall expansion range, allowing the system to achieve cumulative movement of 25-30 cm while maintaining a compact overall structure. The segmentation enables greater total expansion range without proportionally increasing space occupation.
3Ease of manufacture
If plastic conduits are used, then installation is easier, but thermal expansion coefficients are much higher than metals
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion compensator element is specifically designed to accommodate the higher thermal expansion coefficients of plastic conduits by allowing greater longitudinal movement (25-30 cm range). The tubular bodies and guide means are configured with appropriate clearances and movement constraints that match the expansion characteristics of plastic materials, enabling the system to handle the larger expansion magnitudes without excessive tension or deformation.
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 expansion compensator effectively absorbs significant thermal variations in pipe length, occupies minimal space, and can be used in any conduit network, providing a versatile solution for both metal and plastic conduits, and facilitating easier assembly and disassembly by allowing orientation correction and tension-free expansion/contraction.
Implementation Method 1
the changes in temperature which cause deformations in the length of the pipes either by expansion, or by contraction
Implementation Method 2
contraction due to exposure to low temperatures causes residual tensions in said conduits
Implementation Method 3
the inner diameter of the tubular jacket being such that the tubular bodies can fit tightly therein while the longitudinal movement of both stub ends with respect to the tubular jacket is enabled
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
An expansion compensator element (1), for tube elements, comprising first and second identical and symmetrical stub ends (2, 3), with a tubular body (4) and a ring-shaped area (5) emerging from the first end (2.1, 3.1) with first through holes (6); a tubular jacket (7) on the tubular bodies (4) of both stub ends (2, 3), such that the longitudinal movement of both stub ends with respect to it is enabled and; guide means for the longitudinal movement of each stub end (2, 3) respectively, which have a guide flange (8) on the tubular jacket (7) with second through holes (9), and a set of shafts (10) parallel to the shaft of both stub ends through one of the second through holes (9), with a first free end (10.1) and a second end (10.2) fixed to the ring-shaped area (5) of the stub end.