Pipe Flange Coupling with Retractable Pawls for Vibration Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flanged pipe connections are time-consuming, difficult to access, susceptible to loosening in high-vibration environments, and pose safety risks due to the need for personnel to manually couple flanges.
Innovation Solution
A pipe flange coupling device with pawls fixed to a retractable spindle, utilizing a translation arrangement and biasing mechanism to automate and secure the coupling of flanged pipes, even in high-vibration conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded connections (nut and bolt) are used to couple flanged pipes, then reliable connection is achieved in static installations, but the connection is time-consuming to connect, difficult to access, and susceptible to loosening in high vibration environments
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device performs preliminary actions by automatically positioning and clamping the flanges together using a robotic arm with integrated clamping mechanisms, eliminating the need for manual bolt threading and tightening operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical threading operation with an automated robotic system that uses pneumatic or hydraulic actuators to perform flange coupling, significantly reducing coupling time while maintaining connection reliability
2Reliability
If threaded connections are used to couple flanged pipes, then reliable connection is achieved in static installations, but the connection is susceptible to loosening in high vibration environments
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device applies preliminary clamping force and precise positioning before final tightening, ensuring proper alignment and pre-load distribution that prevents loosening under vibration conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual bolt tightening with automated robotic actuators that apply controlled, consistent clamping forces and can perform multiple tightening passes to ensure vibration-resistant connections
3Ease of operation
If personnel manually couple flanged pipes, then coupling can be performed, but personnel are exposed to non-ideal or unsafe working conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is self-sufficient with integrated sensors, actuators, and control systems that automatically detect flange positions, adjust clamping forces, and complete the coupling operation without human intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual human operations with a robotic system that uses sensors to detect flange alignment and actuators to perform coupling, completely eliminating personnel exposure to unsafe working conditions
4Extent of automation
If a ball screw-type mechanism is used to actuate the coupling device, then automated coupling is achieved, but the mechanism might loosen in high-vibration environments unless constantly energized or separately secured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ball screw mechanisms with direct-drive pneumatic or hydraulic actuators that provide constant holding force through fluid pressure, eliminating the loosening problem inherent in threaded mechanical systems under vibration
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device performs preliminary positioning and clamping actions that establish stable engagement before final tightening, creating a pre-loaded state that prevents mechanism loosening during vibration
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
Provides secure, automated coupling of flanged pipes, ensuring stability and safety in high-vibration environments without constant energization or separate securing.
Implementation Method 1
a force exerted on the pawls towards their extended position is transmitted via the translation arrangement against a mechanical stopper
Implementation Method 2
the translation arrangement is biased such that the translation arrangement must work against this bias in order to extend the pawls and release flanged pipes coupled to each other
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure is based on the idea of providing a pipe flange coupling device (3), which is attachable in connection with a first pipe (1) of a first pipe flange (1a), having pawls (6) engaging a second pipe flange (2a) of a second pipe (2). The pawls (6) are fixed to a spindle (5) retractable by a translation arrangement so as to pull the second pipe flange (2a) against the first pipe flange (1a). More particularly, the translation arrangement is configured such that, when the flanged pipes (1, 2) are coupled and the pawls (6) are retracted, a force exerted on the pawls (6) towards the extended position is transmitted via the translation arrangement against a mechanical stopper. Moreover, the translation arrangement is biased such that the translation arrangement must work against this bias in order to extend the pawls and release the flanged pipes (1, 2) coupled to each other.