Multipart Pipe Joint With Offset Articulation for Pressure Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe joints in aircraft piping systems face challenges in maintaining sealing against internal pressure while allowing for angular movement, leading to high mechanical loads and weight due to the need for elaborate and heavy components.
Innovation Solution
A multipart pipe joint design featuring a centre piece with joint parts that are rotationally fixed at articulation points, reducing force deflection from 90° to 45° and incorporating a circumferential crease for wear reduction and load-bearing support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cardan joint with crossing axes at 90° is used for angular movement, then sealing against internal pressure is achieved, but mechanical load and weight increase due to elaborate construction
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe joint is divided into multiple segments (first pipe section, joint section with articulation points, second pipe section) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows angular movement while distributing mechanical loads across multiple smaller components rather than requiring a single heavy cardan joint assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from the traditional 90° crossing axes configuration to an angled configuration where articulation points are offset by a specific angle (e.g., 45°). This dimensional change in the arrangement of articulation points optimizes the force flow lines and reduces mechanical loads while maintaining sealing capability.
2Reliability
If cardan joint with crossing axes is used for angular movement, then sealing against internal pressure is maintained, but mechanical load increases due to force deflection through 90°
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation points are arranged at an angled configuration (e.g., 45° offset) rather than the traditional 90° crossing axes. This angular reconfiguration changes the dimensionality of force transmission, creating more favorable force flow lines that reduce mechanical loads on the pipe wall and articulation points while maintaining sealing integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameter of the articulation point arrangement from 90° crossing to a different angle (such as 45°). This parameter change optimizes the force flow lines and reduces the mechanical load on components while preserving the sealing function against internal pressure.
3Reliability
If elaborate and heavy components are used in pipe joint, then sealing against internal pressure is ensured, but lightweight construction requirement is violated
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the pipe joint into multiple lighter sections connected by articulation points, the invention achieves sealing reliability without requiring a single heavy cardan joint assembly. Each segment can be optimized for minimal weight while the overall system maintains sealing integrity through the articulated connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated design allows the pipe joint to dynamically adapt to angular movements and installation variations. This dynamic capability provides versatility in installation scenarios while using lighter components compared to rigid heavy-duty cardan joints, meeting the lightweight construction requirement for aircraft applications.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a multipart pipe joint (10) having a centre piece (16) on which joint parts (18, 20) are received which are pivotable relative thereto and which are rotationally fixed to the centre piece (16) at articulation points (22, 24). The articulation points (22, 24) of the joint parts (18, 20) on the centre piece (16) also represent articulation points (22, 24) for transmission elements (42) which extend axially along an inner wall (34) of the centre piece (16). The articulation points (22, 24) forming articulation axes are arranged in an axial offset (25) to each other. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of the multipart pipe joint (10) in an aircraft.