Offset-Compensating Pipe Joint Assembly for Tight 3D Misalignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe joints fail to effectively correct three-dimensional offsets between pipes in high-temperature and high-pressure applications, especially in tight spaces, and often require additional components increasing costs and reducing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A joint assembly comprising two cups with pipe connecting portions that slide to compensate for offsets in the z-dimension and contact surfaces that adjust for x and y-dimension offsets, forming a sealed fluid flow path with a minimum circumferential area, made from durable materials like stainless steel and welded for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional pipe joints or grooved pipe couplings are used to correct offsets, then offset correction is achieved, but the ability to withstand high temperature and pressure fluids is compromised and tolerance correction capability is limited to about 1-2 mm
Solution Approach 1:
The joint assembly is divided into two separate cup components (first cup and second cup), each capable of independently accommodating offsets. This segmentation allows each cup to be optimized for both precision offset correction and high temperature/pressure reliability, with each cup having its own pipe connecting portion and flange portion that can compensate for offsets in different directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint assembly corrects offsets in three dimensions (x, y, and z dimensions) by utilizing the sliding capability of pipe connecting portions along pipe axes and the rotational/positioning capability of flange portions. This multi-dimensional offset correction capability exceeds conventional joints that typically handle only one or two dimensions, while maintaining structural integrity for high temperature and pressure applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If copper pipe arrangement is used to accommodate offsets, then flexibility to accommodate cumulative tolerance offsets is achieved, but additional parts are required resulting in higher manufacturing and maintenance costs and reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The first cup and second cup are merged into a single integrated joint assembly that combines the functions of offset accommodation, sealing, and connection. This unified structure eliminates the need for multiple separate components (such as additional couplings, gaskets, and fasteners) that would be required in conventional copper pipe arrangements, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the flexibility to accommodate three-dimensional offsets.
Solution Approach 2:
Each cup in the joint assembly performs multiple functions: the pipe connecting portion accommodates linear offsets and misalignments, the flange portion handles angular offsets and provides sealing surfaces, and the overall structure withstands high temperature and pressure. This multi-functionality within a compact design reduces the total number of parts needed compared to conventional multi-component copper pipe systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If rolling offset joint is used, then offset correction capability is improved, but the joint cannot be used in tight spaces where a small distance separates the pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The first pipe connecting portion is nested within the first central cavity portion of the first cup, and the second pipe connecting portion is nested within the second central cavity portion of the second cup. This nested configuration allows the joint assembly to maintain a compact external profile while providing sufficient internal space for offset correction, enabling installation in tight spaces where conventional expansion joints would not fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe connecting portions are designed to slide dynamically within the central cavity portions, allowing the joint assembly to adapt to varying offset conditions. This dynamic adjustment mechanism enables the joint to correct offsets without requiring large external dimensions, making it suitable for tight spaces while maintaining high offset correction capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A joint assembly comprising a first cup and a second cup for joining a first pipe and a second pipe. The first and the second pipes have an offset in a three-dimensional space having ‘x’, ‘y’, and ‘z’ dimensions, where the longitudinal axes of the first and the second pipes are in the ‘z’ dimension. The first cup and the second cup are adapted to join the first pipe with the second pipe by compensating for the offset in the ‘x’, ‘y’, and ‘z’ dimensions.