Safety Head Assembly With Segmented Bolts And Thin-Walled Shells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support apparatuses for insert devices in pressurized systems face challenges such as material cost, alignment issues, torque application difficulties, visibility of assembly bolts, and durability in harsh environments, leading to suboptimal sealing and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A safety head assembly with reduced material thickness, visible and accessible assembly bolts, and a replaceable bite seal, designed for interchangeable installation across various flange patterns and pressure ratings, allowing for pre-torqued or pre-assembled configurations and improved alignment within pressurized systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional support apparatuses are used with thick material construction, then strength and durability are improved, but material cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin-walled cylindrical shells for the inlet and outlet support members, replacing traditional thick material construction. The cylindrical geometry provides structural strength while minimizing material usage and weight, achieving the desired balance between durability and weight reduction.
2Ease of operation
If assembly bolts are made visible and accessible, then ease of operation and maintenance are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support apparatus is divided into modular components with through-holes that expose assembly bolts. This segmentation allows individual access to bolts for tightening or adjustment without disassembling the entire structure, improving maintenance ease while keeping the overall design relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The design enables operators to perform maintenance and adjustment tasks themselves without requiring specialized tools or disassembly procedures. The visible and accessible bolts allow direct intervention for torque adjustment or replacement operations.
3Manufacturing precision
If flange adapters are used to achieve proper alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but sealing reliability deteriorates due to torque sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are pre-assembled with the insert device between them before installation into the pressurized system. This preliminary assembly allows proper alignment to be established in advance, reducing sensitivity to installation torque variations and improving sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support members act as intermediary components between the flanges and the insert device. They provide a stable mounting structure that maintains alignment independently of flange bolt torque, isolating the insert device from misalignment caused by improper tightening.
4Reliability
If high-cost corrosion-resistant materials are used throughout the support apparatus, then durability in corrosive environments is improved, but material cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Corrosion-resistant materials are applied selectively to specific components or surfaces that are most exposed to corrosive environments, such as the inlet and outlet support members. This localized approach provides necessary protection while minimizing overall material cost compared to treating the entire apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction combining different materials with complementary properties. Corrosion-resistant materials are used where needed for durability, while less expensive materials are used in non-critical areas, achieving an optimal balance between protection and cost.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
A safety head is disclosed. More particularly, a safety head comprising a circular flange portion and at least one protrusion is disclosed, wherein the at least one protrusion has a face exhibiting a blended radius of curvature. The circular flange portion may be thicker than the at least one protrusion. A safety head assembly is also disclosed, wherein the safety head assembly comprises an inlet safety head and an outlet safety head. Additionally, a safety head assembly is disclosed wherein the inlet safety head comprises a peripheral protrusion, the outlet safety head comprises a peripheral protrusion, and a clamp ring is configured to engage with the peripheral protrusions.