Turbomachine Adapter With Offset Flanges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adapters for connecting fluid lines to turbomachine housing sections require a minimum distance between flange pairs for fastener positioning, leading to increased overall height and complexity in attachment and connection processes.
Innovation Solution
The adapter features offset flange pairs about the channel axis, with the upper pair of flanges arranged directly over the lower pair and having open circumferential feed-throughs, allowing for reduced overall height and simplified fastener placement, including retrospective use after attachment, and enhanced stability through radial extension and form-fit connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flange pairs are arranged one above the other with same orientation, then fasteners can be positioned for securing adapter to housing, but minimum distance between flange pairs is required increasing overall height
Solution Approach 1:
The flange pairs are offset by 90 degrees about the channel axis, creating an asymmetric arrangement where the upper flange pair is rotated relative to the lower flange pair. This allows the flanges to be arranged directly over each other without requiring lateral clearance for fastener positioning, thereby reducing the overall height while maintaining fastening capability
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a lateral arrangement of flanges (requiring space in the radial dimension) to an axial arrangement (utilizing the axial dimension). By offsetting the flange pairs angularly and stacking them axially, the design eliminates the need for lateral clearance and reduces the overall height of the adapter assembly
2Ease of operation
If flange pairs are spaced apart in direction of channel axis, then fasteners can be positioned into feed-throughs, but adapter height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feed-throughs of the upper flange pair are designed with open circumferential configuration rather than closed circular holes. This asymmetric feed-through design allows fasteners to be accessed from the radial direction, eliminating the need for axial spacing between flange pairs and thereby reducing adapter height while maintaining fastener accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The open circumferential feed-through design allows the upper flange pair to replicate the fastening function of the lower flange pair without requiring additional axial space. The feed-throughs are positioned and shaped to accommodate fasteners in the same axial plane, effectively copying the fastening capability within a compact height
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter for connecting a fluid line to a housing section of a turbomachine is disclosed. A lower and an upper pair of flanges are arranged offset from each other about a channel axis of a fluid channel and are arranged without a space between each other in a direction of the channel axis, where the feed-throughs of the upper pair of flanges are open circumferentially.