Pressure-Driven Pipe and Electrical Coupling Under Blowdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing joint systems for connecting pipes and electrical connections under blowdown conditions in tyre retreading processes are time-consuming, require precise manual operation, and suffer from reliability issues due to mechanical complexity and potential misalignment, leading to leaks and process failures.
Innovation Solution
A joint system comprising male and female matrix supports with integrated blowdown or vacuum conditions that automatically couple by creating a pressure differential between the chamber and external environment, ensuring alignment and leak-proof connections without mechanical actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual operation with mechanical actuators is used to connect pipes and electrical connections, then the connection can be established, but the process is time-consuming and requires precise manual operation
Solution Approach 1:
The joint system automatically couples male and female joints together through the pressure differential created by the blowdown condition, eliminating the need for manual actuators or precise manual operation. The system serves itself by using the existing pressure difference to drive the coupling action, thereby significantly reducing connection time and operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical actuation systems (screws, levers, hydraulic pushers) with a pressure-driven coupling mechanism. The blowdown condition creates a pressure differential that automatically drives the male joint into the female joint, substituting complex mechanical actuation with a simpler pressure-based system that reduces both time and mechanical complexity
2Reliability
If mechanical actuators and complex joint systems are used, then connections can be made, but reliability issues arise due to mechanical complexity and potential misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates complex mechanical actuators and replacement systems by using a pressure-driven coupling mechanism. The blowdown condition creates a pressure differential that automatically drives the coupling action, substituting complex mechanical actuation with a simpler pressure-based system that reduces both time and mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The joint system employs asymmetric male and female joint designs where the male joint has a protruding element that fits into a corresponding recess in the female joint. This asymmetric geometry ensures proper alignment and prevents misconnection, thereby improving reliability while maintaining simplicity
3Reliability
If traditional joint systems are used under blowdown conditions, then connections can be established, but leaks and process failures occur due to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The joint system employs asymmetric male and female joint designs where the male joint has a protruding element that fits into a corresponding recess in the female joint. This asymmetric geometry ensures proper alignment and prevents misconnection, thereby improving reliability while maintaining simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary sealing element or seal ring that fits between the male and female joint components. This intermediary sealing mechanism ensures leak-proof connection by compensating for any minor alignment variations and creating a reliable seal under blowdown conditions
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
Facilitates fast, accurate, and long-lasting couplings with minimal leakage, maintaining the blowdown condition throughout the vulcanization process, ensuring consistent pressure and adhesion in tyre retreading.
Implementation Method 1
creating a pressure drop (or delta) between the outside of the chamber and the chamber itself, and therefore generating a coupling force
Data Source
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AI summary
Joint system comprising at least one male matrix support (18', 18'') and at least one female matrix support (28', 28''), said male matrix support comprising at least one joint (19) and said female matrix support comprising at least one complementary joint (29) adapted to couple to said joint (19) of said male matrix support, said male matrix support being configured to couple with said female matrix support such that following said coupling the at least one joint (19) provided in said male matrix support connects to the at least one complementary joint (29) provided in the female matrix support; - Said male matrix support comprising at least one body (18', 18'') rising from a surface (16) and wherein said body (18', 18'') is provided with said one or more joints (19); - Said female matrix support forming a receiving volume (23) to receive said body (18', 18'') and wherein one or more complementary joints (29) are arranged in said receiving volume (23) adapted to connect, each one, with a corresponding joint (19) of the male matrix support; - And wherein, following insertion of the body (18', 18'') into the receiving volume (23), a chamber (30) is formed; -Wherein means are comprised adapted to generate, in said chamber (30), a blowdown or vacuum condition such that a force is generated which leads said body (18', 18'') to penetrate the receiving volume (23) bringing the joints of the male matrix support into connection with the complementary joints of the female matrix support.