Segmental Tube Assembly for Nestable Pipeline Shipping
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment of conventionally manufactured pipelines is expensive and time-consuming due to the challenges of shipping and assembling long spans of pipes, which require large footprints for staging and logistics, and smaller segments complicate assembly while simplifying shipment.
Innovation Solution
A segmental tube structure composed of multiple sheet metal segments, each spanning an equal arc of the circumference, connected via welds to form an air-tight interior and designed for nesting and shipping in containers, allowing for centralized manufacturing and efficient transportation and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If long spans of pipes are manufactured and shipped, then assembly is simplified (fewer connections), but shipping and logistics become more difficult and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe structure is divided into multiple modular segments that can be manufactured separately and shipped independently. Each segment is designed with standardized connection interfaces that enable rapid assembly through welding or mechanical coupling, thus simplifying the assembly process while maintaining manageable shipping dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent describes nesting tube segments within shipping containers for transportation. The modular segments are designed to fit efficiently within standard container dimensions, maximizing space utilization and reducing logistics costs while enabling easy deployment at the installation site.
2Length of moving object
If smaller pipe segments are manufactured, then shipping becomes easier, but assembly becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe system is segmented into standardized modules with consistent connection protocols. This segmentation allows for pre-fabrication of connection interfaces and integration of components (such as tracks or equipment mounts) during manufacturing, reducing on-site assembly complexity and improving installation productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Connection interfaces, tracking systems, and other components are pre-assembled or pre-positioned on tube segments during manufacturing before shipping. This preliminary action reduces the complexity and time required for field assembly, as workers only need to perform final coupling operations rather than complete assembly from individual components.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional pipeline deployment methods are used, then manufacturing is straightforward, but deployment time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conventional continuous pipe manufacturing process is replaced with modular segment production. Each segment can be manufactured using standardized processes and then shipped to the deployment location for rapid assembly, significantly reducing overall deployment time while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through repetition of proven processes.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple tube segments are manufactured and prepared in advance at centralized facilities, allowing parallel production and quality control. This preliminary manufacturing and preparation enables accelerated deployment schedules, as segments are ready for immediate installation rather than being fabricated on-site during the deployment phase.
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 approach reduces construction time and costs by enabling rapid, cost-effective deployment of tubular structures, maintaining high quality control through centralized manufacturing and minimizing logistical complexities.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of tube segments are connected to adjacent tube segments of the plurality of tube segments via welds formed between the adjacent tube segments
Data Source
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AI summary
A segmental tube section structure having a length and a circumference, the segmental tube section structure including a plurality of tube segments extending the length in a longitudinal direction of the segmental tube section structure and extending in a circumferential direction of the segmental tube section structure, wherein each tube segment of the plurality of tube segments extends in the circumferential direction to span an equal arc of the circumference of the segmental tube section, and wherein each of the plurality of tube segments are connected to adjacent tube segments of the plurality of tube segments in the circumferential direction to form the segmental tube section structure.