Threaded Accumulator Structure That Relieves Joint Tension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional metal bellows accumulators in hydraulic circuits face issues with weld line stress concentration, corrosion, and complexity due to multiple components joined by welding, which increases the risk of damage and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
The accumulator design features a pressure vessel with a joint portion between two sections, where compressive force from a thread portion acts on the joint, reducing tension stress and eliminating the need for welding between components, thus simplifying the structure and reducing the risk of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the pressure vessel is formed by joining multiple members by welding, then the accumulator can be assembled from separate components, but the weld line becomes a starting point for corrosion or cracks due to tension stress concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The first section and second section of the pressure vessel are merged into a single integral structure without weld lines. The thread portion and abutting portion are formed as continuous parts of the same member, eliminating the weld joint that would otherwise be susceptible to stress concentration, corrosion, and cracking.
2Device complexity
If the weld line is positioned opposite to the hydraulic circuit across the connection portion, then the structure can be simplified, but tension stress concentrates on the weld causing damage risk
Solution Approach 1:
By forming the first section and second section as an integral structure, the weld line is completely eliminated. The thread portion and abutting portion are continuous parts of the same member, removing the vulnerable weld joint while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple members are joined by welding to form the pressure vessel, then component flexibility is improved, but the number of components and manufacturing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure vessel is formed as a single integral member combining what would otherwise be separate sections. This reduces the number of components and eliminates welding operations, significantly improving manufacturing efficiency while maintaining the functional adaptability of the accumulator design.
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 effectively cancels tension on the weld line, reduces the risk of corrosion and damage, and simplifies manufacturing by eliminating the need for multiple welded components, enhancing the accumulator's reliability and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
compressive force due to axial force caused at the thread portion effectively acts on the joint portion
Implementation Method 2
tension acting on the joint portion due to pressure difference between inside and outside of the pressure vessel
Data Source
AI summary
An accumulator includes a pressure vessel including a first section and a second section joined to each other via a joint portion and a partition portion separating an interior space of the pressure vessel into a liquid chamber and a gas chamber so that a volume ratio between the liquid chamber and the gas chamber in the pressure vessel is variable. The first section includes a thread portion for fastening the accumulator to a support member. The second section includes an abutting portion disposed opposite to the thread portion across the joint portion in an axial direction of the thread portion and configured to abut on the support member when the accumulator is fastened to the support member.