Rotatable Elbow Expansion Joint for Axial and Lateral Pipe Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing expansion joints struggle to securely connect pipes when there is both axial and lateral displacement between them, as they are primarily designed to handle axial displacement effectively.
Innovation Solution
An elbow-equipped expansion joint with slidable sleeves and rotatable elbows, where the bend angle of each elbow is adjustable, allowing for secure connection by fixing the sleeves with bolts and using packings held by dividable housings to manage displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional expansion joint is used to connect pipes, then axial displacement can be absorbed effectively, but lateral displacement cannot be absorbed and secure connection cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The elbow pipes are designed to be rotatable relative to each other, allowing the bend angle to dynamically adjust. This enables the expansion joint to adapt to both axial and lateral displacements by changing the elbow configuration, thereby achieving secure connection under varying displacement conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces rotational degrees of freedom at the elbow joints, adding a new dimension of movement capability. This allows the system to handle lateral displacements in addition to axial displacements, transforming the expansion joint from a single-direction to multi-directional displacement absorption device
2Adaptability or versatility
If the bend angle of elbows is made adjustable to handle lateral displacement, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elbow assembly is segmented into multiple rotatable sections (one elbow pipe and other elbow pipe that can rotate relative to each other). This segmentation allows independent adjustment of each section to achieve the required bend angle, making the complexity manageable and the adjustment process systematic
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 effectively absorbs both axial and lateral displacements, ensuring a secure connection between pipes by adjusting the bend angles of the elbows and expanding or contracting the joint as needed.
Implementation Method 1
a second sleeve (12) which is slidable with respect to the first sleeve (11)
Implementation Method 2
the other elbow pipe (22) rotatably joined to the one elbow pipe (21)
Implementation Method 3
a first packing (23) which is held by a dividable first housing (24)
Data Source
AI summary
An elbow-equipped expansion joint, even when there is an axial and lateral displacement between a first pipe and a second pipe, can absorb the displacement and connect the first pipe and the second pipe. The elbow-equipped expansion joint includes: an expandable joint including a first sleeve and a second sleeve; and a pair of rotatable elbows joined to both ends of the expandable joint. The elbows each include one elbow pipe, and the other elbow pipe rotatably joined to the one elbow pipe. The bend angle of each elbow can be changed by rotating the other elbow pipe.