Pipe-to-Hose Transition Assembly for Inspectable Weld Joints
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for joining a pipe and a flexible hose involve manual welding, which obscures internal welds, making visual inspection impossible and requiring complex non-destructive testing, and result in sharp edges that can lead to crack propagation and leaks, with repairs being difficult due to obscured access.
Innovation Solution
A transition assembly is used to create separate, non-overlapping connections between the pipe and hose, allowing for automated welding and easy inspection, with complementary surfaces to prevent deformation and enhance leak resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual welding is used to join pipe and hose, then the joint can be formed, but visual inspection becomes impossible and complex non-destructive testing is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the welding process into two separate operations: an internal weld forming the first connection, and an external weld forming the second connection. This segmentation allows each weld to be independently inspected, with the external weld providing visual access while the internal weld remains accessible through the transition assembly design.
Solution Approach 2:
The transition assembly acts as an intermediary component between the pipe and hose, providing a structure that enables both connections while facilitating inspection. The transition assembly's design allows inspectors to access and examine weld quality without requiring complex non-destructive testing methods.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional welding is used, then the joint is formed, but sharp edges are created that lead to crack propagation and leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different geometric qualities to different locations: the transition assembly features rounded edges and fillets at critical stress concentration points to prevent crack initiation, while maintaining appropriate weld geometry elsewhere. This local modification of edge quality eliminates sharp corners that would otherwise propagate cracks.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual welding is used, then the irregular boundary can be accommodated, but automation is not possible and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The transition assembly is pre-formed with complementary surfaces designed to match the irregular boundary of the hose. This preliminary preparation of the mating surfaces allows automated welding processes to be used, as the pre-configured geometry guides the automated weld head while maintaining adaptability to the hose shape.
4Extent of automation
If clamping is used for automatic welding, then automation is achieved, but the thin layers of the hose are deformed and/or perforated
Solution Approach 1:
The transition assembly features locally optimized contact surfaces with appropriate curvature and pressure distribution that accommodate the thin hose layers during automated welding. The complementary surfaces are designed to distribute clamping forces evenly, preventing deformation or perforation of the hose while enabling automated welding processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of connecting a pipe and a hose includes providing a transition assembly including a hose end, a pipe end opposite the hose end, and an inner surface defining a transition assembly passage extending through the transition assembly from the hose end to the pipe end, engaging the hose end of the transition assembly with the hose such that a first connection is formed between the transition assembly and the hose, and engaging the pipe end of the transition assembly with the pipe such that a second connection between the transition assembly and the pipe is formed. The second connection is spaced an axial distance from the first connection.