Pipeline Joint Stabilizing Mechanism for Vibration Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pipeline connection technologies fail to effectively compensate for manufacturing tolerances and changes caused by vibration or temperature, leading to instability and misalignment between pipeline sections.

Innovation Solution

A connecting device featuring a stabilizing joint with movably connected retaining plates and flexible connecting rods, combined with a compensator flange and flexible connection components like corrugated tubes or hoses, allows for flexible and secure attachment to pipeline sections, enabling movement and alignment adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If pipeline sections are rigidly connected to compensate for manufacturing tolerances and dimensional changes, then alignment stability is improved, but flexibility to accommodate vibration and temperature changes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment stabilityVSAvoidflexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting device is divided into distinct functional components: a compensator for absorbing dimensional changes and a stabilizing joint for maintaining alignment. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one aspect of the contradiction - the compensator provides flexibility while the stabilizing joint provides stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The stabilizing joint acts as an intermediary between the flexible compensator and the rigid pipeline sections. It mediates between the need for flexibility (from the compensator) and the need for stability (for pipeline alignment), allowing movement while maintaining proper orientation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a compensator is used to provide flexible connection between pipeline sections, then adaptability to dimensional changes is improved, but stability and alignment maintenance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidalignment stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges two previously separate functions into a single integrated connecting device: the compensator for flexibility and the stabilizing joint for alignment stability. This combination allows the system to simultaneously achieve both adaptability and stability that were previously contradictory.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it compensates for manufacturing tolerances, accommodates thermal expansion and vibration, and maintains pipeline alignment. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the system capable of both flexibility and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If connecting rods are rigidly mounted to retaining plates, then structural stability is improved, but ability to accommodate movement and vibration deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidmovement accommodation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting rods are designed with flexible mounting through bearings instead of rigid fixation. This dynamic mounting allows the connecting rods to maintain structural stability while accommodating movements caused by vibration and temperature changes, resolving the contradiction between strength and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution provides a stable and flexible connection that compensates for tilting and length changes in pipeline sections without altering the alignment of connected sections, ensuring reliable and secure attachment through screw connections or welding.

Implementation Method 1

The connecting rods are each flexibly mounted with a first rod end in a bearing of the first retaining plate and with a second rod end in a bearing of the second retaining plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2620686B1Connection of pipe sections
Publication Date: 2014.09.17 SIEMENS AG
  • EP2620686B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2620686B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2620686B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The device has a compensator (9) for flexible connection of pipe line portions (1, 2), and a stabilization joint (10) comprising a support plate (15) i.e. angle connector, fastened with one of the pipe line portions and another support plate (16) fastened with the other pipe line portion. The support plates are movably connected with one another by two tie bars (17). Each bar end (22) in a bearing (20) of the former plate and another bar end in a bearing of the latter plate are arranged orthogonal to a connecting direction and parallel to each other on different sides of the compensator.