Rotatable U-bend Tube Support for Vibration Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tube support devices fail to effectively prevent vibration in tube bundles, particularly at U-shaped bends, and are not well-suited for wide tube lanes or retrofitted equipment, leading to incomplete vibration mitigation and increased manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A tube support device with an elongated strip and engagement assembly that can be rotated to securely engage an anchor assembly within the U-bend region, featuring tube engaging members like dimples or corrugations, and a slot or aperture for secure attachment, allowing for adjustable orientation and installation between adjacent rows of tubes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional tube support devices are used in U-bend regions, then installation is simple, but vibration control is ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The tube support device incorporates rotational capability around the anchor assembly, transforming from a static support structure to a dynamic one that can be oriented optimally for vibration control. The device rotates into position after insertion, allowing the corrugated strip to align perpendicular to tube rows for maximum vibration damping effectiveness in the U-bend region.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device is inserted through the tube lane space and nested around the anchor assembly located at the U-bend center. The corrugated strip wraps around and engages multiple tubes simultaneously, creating a nested configuration where the support device is contained within the tube bundle structure while providing external support function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tube support devices are designed for standard configurations, then manufacturing is easy, but adaptability to different tube bundles is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is designed as a universal component that can be applied to various tube bundle configurations including different tube pitches, row arrangements, and U-bend geometries. The rotational mechanism and flexible corrugated strip allow a single device design to adapt to multiple installation scenarios without requiring custom manufacturing for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes adjustable parameters including rotation angle, insertion depth, and corrugation orientation to adapt to different tube bundle configurations. By changing the rotational position and engagement depth, the same support device can accommodate variations in tube pitch, row spacing, and U-bend radius without requiring different device designs.
3Reliability
If existing support devices are used for retrofitting, then installation process is simple, but vibration mitigation is incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is segmented into functional zones: the corrugated strip portion that contacts and damps tube vibration, the anchor assembly engagement portion that provides rotational capability, and the insertion portion that navigates through the tube lane. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall device simplicity for retrofit installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is pre-configured with the corrugated strip and anchor engagement features before installation. The rotational capability is built in advance, allowing the device to be inserted in a neutral position and then rotated into its operational orientation within the U-bend region, ensuring complete vibration mitigation without requiring complex post-installation adjustments.
Data Source
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AI summary
A tube support device (20) for a tube bundle having a plurality of elongated tubes (1) with a U-shaped bend portion (13) is disclosed. The tube support device (20) includes an elongated longitudinally extending strip (21) having pair of opposing faces. A plurality of tube engaging members (22, 23, 24) extend from the pair of opposing faces. The tube support device (20) includes an engagement assembly (25) formed on one end of the tube support device (20). The engagement assembly (25) is adapted to engage the anchor assembly (14) positioned within the tube bundle, whereby the tube support device (20) can be rotated into the desired orientation between the tubes (1) to prevent vibration damage .