S-Shaped Bellows Accumulator for Lightweight Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing accumulators face a challenge in achieving weight reduction while maintaining durability, as reducing the number of ridges in the bellows increases the amplitude per ridge, potentially compromising durability.
Innovation Solution
The accumulator design includes a bellows with an S-shape that expands beyond its free state, with an expansion rate limited to a permissible rate of 9.3% based on Weibull analysis, and features inverse curved portions to maintain durability while allowing for weight reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the number of ridges of the bellows is reduced to decrease material weight, then the weight of the bellows is reduced, but the amplitude per ridge increases and durability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the bellows by introducing an S-shaped configuration with specific curvature radii (R1 and R2) and pitch (P). This parameter optimization allows the bellows to distribute stress more effectively across fewer ridges, maintaining durability while reducing material usage and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The bellows employs an S-shaped curved configuration with carefully controlled curvature radii. The alternating convex and concave curves create a more efficient stress distribution pattern compared to traditional straight or simple pleated designs, enabling weight reduction without compromising durability.
2Weight of stationary object
If the distance between protruded portions of the bellows is increased, then the number of ridges is reduced and weight is decreased, but the amplitude per ridge increases and durability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the pitch (P) between protruded portions and the curvature radii (R1, R2) to achieve an optimal balance. By carefully controlling these parameters, the bellows can have fewer ridges with larger spacing while maintaining adequate amplitude and durability through the S-shaped stress distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The S-shaped curvature with alternating convex and concave portions creates a more efficient structural configuration that distributes mechanical stress more evenly across the bellows structure, allowing for reduced ridge density without sacrificing strength.
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
This design minimizes durability reduction and achieves weight reduction by allowing the bellows to expand and contract within a controlled range, maintaining equivalent durability to conventional designs.
Implementation Method 1
a bellows provided inside the exterior body and having an S-shape being capable of expansion and contraction
Data Source
AI summary
An accumulator includes: an exterior body including a bottom, a shell and a port; and a bellows provided inside the exterior body and having an S-shape being capable of expansion and contraction. In a case where the bellows has expanded maximally in the accumulator, the bellows has expanded from a free state where no load other than gravitational force is being applied to the bellows.