Pipe Expansion Joint Collar-Guide Structure for Thermal Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial pipe joints are prone to damage from thermal expansion and contraction, as well as mechanical and external factors, leading to premature wear and high installation costs with existing bellows-type or belt expansion joints.
Innovation Solution
A cost-effective expansion and movement joint system comprising a collar with a precision fit aperture for a conduit, enclosed by a guide with a larger aperture, allowing the collar to move within the guide to accommodate size changes, featuring a sliding surface and optional seals for protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bellows-type or belt expansion joints are used to prevent damage from thermal expansion and contraction, then joint protection is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The expansion joint is divided into distinct functional segments: a collar component that interfaces with the conduit, a bellows component that provides expansion accommodation, and a mounting component that secures the assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies installation and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar is positioned inside the bellows component, creating a nested structure where the collar fits within the bellows housing. This nesting arrangement protects the bellows while allowing it to expand and contract, reducing overall complexity compared to external protection mechanisms.
2Reliability
If bellows-type or belt expansion joints are used to accommodate thermal expansion, then joint reliability is improved, but overall length of the joint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bellows component is designed with dynamic expansion and contraction capabilities that occur within a compact axial space. The bellows folds and unfolds in a controlled manner to accommodate thermal movement without requiring excessive joint length, maintaining compact installation footprints.
Solution Approach 2:
The bellows component changes its volumetric parameters through expansion and contraction while maintaining a relatively constant axial length. This allows the joint to accommodate thermal movement without significantly increasing the overall length of the piping system.
3Stability of the object's composition
If precision fit aperture is used for collar to conduit interface, then movement control is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The collar features a precision-fit aperture at the specific location where it interfaces with the conduit, while other portions of the collar maintain standard tolerances. This localized precision approach provides the necessary movement control at the critical interface without requiring high precision throughout the entire component, reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar acts as an intermediary component between the conduit and the bellows housing, providing a precision-fit interface that controls movement while absorbing manufacturing tolerances. This intermediary function isolates the precision requirement to a manageable interface rather than requiring precision across the entire joint assembly.
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 system provides a robust, easy-to-install, and cost-effective solution that reduces damage from thermal expansion and contraction, ensuring reliable operation while allowing for lateral and axial movement of pipes.
Implementation Method 1
the pipes can be subjected to movement (e.g., lateral, axial and/or radial movement) and/or changes in size, which can result from thermal expansion or contraction
Implementation Method 2
the pipes can be subjected to movement (e.g., lateral, axial and/or radial movement) and/or changes in size, which can result from thermal expansion or contraction
Data Source
AI summary
Expansion and movement joints are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a collar having a first aperture extending therethrough to receive a conduit, and a guide to receive the collar, where the guide has a second aperture that defines an inner surface of the guide, and where the inner surface of the guide is larger than an outer surface of the collar to define a gap therebetween.