Sliding Quick-Coupling Joint for Thermal Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipe joints fail to provide adequate sealing and mechanical coupling, especially under axial deformation caused by thermal expansion, leading to potential pipe disconnection under stress.
Innovation Solution
A sliding quick-coupling joint design featuring a tubular coupling element with a cylindrical chamber, an annular locking element, a movable shoulder, and a sealing device, allowing for thermal expansion while maintaining a strong mechanical and fluid-tight connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional threaded or flanged joints are used, then rigid connection is achieved, but pipe deformation is restricted and stress is transmitted to the joint
Solution Approach 1:
The joint incorporates a sliding mechanism that allows the pipe to move dynamically within the coupling element. The annular locking element can slide axially within the cylindrical chamber, enabling the joint to adapt to thermal expansion and contraction while maintaining a secure mechanical connection. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction between rigid connection strength and deformation adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pipe is left free to slide within the joint, then thermal deformation is compensated, but mechanical seal becomes insufficient under axial stress
Solution Approach 1:
The joint is divided into functional segments: a sealing segment with the sealing element, a locking segment with the annular locking element, and a sliding segment within the cylindrical chamber. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the sealing element maintains fluid-tight seal while the locking element prevents pipe disconnection during axial deformation, resolving the contradiction between thermal compensation and seal reliability.
3Ease of operation
If an annular clamp is used to lock the pipe, then pipe slipping is prevented, but mechanical coupling strength is insufficient under considerable axial force
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element acts as an intermediary component between the pipe and the coupling element. It provides both sealing function and additional mechanical coupling strength through its interaction with the pipe surface. The sealing element works in conjunction with the annular locking element to prevent pipe disconnection under axial stress, enhancing the overall mechanical coupling beyond what the clamp alone could provide.
Data Source
AI summary
Sliding quick-coupling joints are provided. Such joints have a tubular coupling element, in which an inner duct extends. The inner duct has a cylindrical chamber with an open end, an intermediate cylindrical section narrower than the cylindrical chamber, a central duct section, an inner transverse shoulder surface which connects the intermediate cylindrical section to the central section of duct, and a transverse surface that connects the cylindrical chamber and the intermediate cylindrical section. The cylindrical chamber accommodates a slidably movable annular locking element, a movable shoulder, and a sealing device. A pipe may be inserted into the cylindrical chamber and through these elements. The annular locking element is interposed between the transverse surface and the movable shoulder. The joint keeps the pipe mechanically coupled while providing fluid-tight seal and allowing the pipe to undergo thermal expansion. Methods of mounting such sliding quick-coupling joints are also provided.