Semi-All-Purpose Flange With Conical Cavity for Post-Machining Customization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flanges are limited in their ability to serve multiple functional roles, leading to high inventory costs and inefficiencies in production and customization, particularly in industries requiring diverse operational conditions and standards.
Innovation Solution
A semi-all-purpose flange design featuring a neck, head, and a conical interior cavity allows for post-manufacture customization into various flange types, maintaining structural integrity and mechanical performance while reducing inventory needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of flanges are manufactured to meet different operational needs, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flange is designed with a universal structure that can serve multiple functional roles. By incorporating a cavity with conical interior cross-section and solid internal grain structure geometry, a single flange design can be customized post-manufacture to create different flange types (weld neck, slip-on, blind flanges), eliminating the need to manufacture and inventory multiple specialized flange variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange is pre-manufactured with a cavity and solid internal grain structure that enables future customization. This preliminary preparation allows the flange to be converted into different types later through selective material removal, rather than requiring separate pre-manufactured flanges for each application.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple flange types are maintained in inventory, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing efficiency and production workflow are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A single flange manufacturing process produces a universal base component that can be adapted to multiple operational requirements. This eliminates the need for separate production lines or inventory management for different flange types, streamlining workflows and improving manufacturing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange design incorporates variable parameters through the cavity geometry and internal grain structure that can be adjusted post-manufacture to create different flange types. This allows operational flexibility to be achieved through parameter modification rather than through diverse product variants.
3Adaptability or versatility
If material is selectively removed to form different flange types, then adaptability is improved, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The flange design incorporates localized features (cavity with conical interior, solid internal grain structure) that enable customization in specific regions without compromising the overall structural integrity. Material removal is selectively applied to create different flange types while maintaining the strength of critical load-bearing areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The cavity and internal grain structure are pre-configured during manufacturing to guide future material removal processes. This preliminary structuring ensures that when material is selectively removed to create different flange types, the remaining structure maintains continuous load paths and structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and associated methods relate to a flange assembly including a semi-all-purpose flange extending along a longitudinal axis, the semi all-all purpose-flange. The semi-all-purpose flange includes a neck positioned proximally along the longitudinal axis and a head positioned distally from the neck along the longitudinal axis. A cavity extends into a portion of the longitudinal axis; the cavity penetrates a portion of the axial depth of the flange and has a conical interior cross-section centered on the longitudinal axis. The semi-all-purpose flange includes a solid internal grain structure geometry configured such that material surrounding the cavity may be selectively removed to form multiple flange types while maintaining structural continuity between the neck and the head.