Vacuum-Insulated Pipe Connector Layout for Blind Cryogenic Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum-insulated pipe assemblies for cryogenic hydrogen fuel systems face challenges in connecting components due to limited access, especially in long and narrow configurations, which complicates manufacturing and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The design includes an annular wall with an aperture allowing a second connector to extend through for easy connection to a first connector, even when the first connector is inaccessible from within the outer pipe, utilizing threaded engagement, interference fits, and metallic gaskets for enhanced sealing and thermal insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the inner pipe is positioned centrally within the outer pipe to maximize vacuum insulation space, then thermal insulation efficiency is improved, but access to connectors on the inner pipe becomes limited or impossible from within the outer pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate parts: a first connector attached to the inner pipe and a second connector attached to the outer pipe. These segments can be independently positioned and connected through the vacuum space, allowing central positioning of the inner pipe while maintaining connector accessibility from opposite sides.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection approach transitions from radial access (from within the vacuum space) to axial access (through the annular wall). The second connector extends axially through the annular wall to reach the first connector, changing the dimensional approach for connector access while preserving central inner pipe positioning for optimal thermal insulation.
2Reliability
If the annular wall extends deeply inward to provide structural support and define the vacuum space, then vacuum insulation performance is improved, but access to the first connector from within the outer pipe becomes even more restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system is segmented into two independent connectors that can be assembled from opposite sides of the annular wall. This allows the annular wall to extend deeply for structural support while the connectors are joined through coordinated assembly from both sides, eliminating the need for deep internal access.
Solution Approach 2:
The second connector acts as an intermediary element that bridges the vacuum space and the first connector. By extending through the annular wall, it provides a connection path that does not require access to the first connector from within the restricted vacuum space, facilitating manufacturing while maintaining vacuum insulation integrity.
3Device complexity
If a single connector design is used for both inner and outer pipes to simplify the structure, then device complexity is reduced, but accessibility and connection flexibility are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connector function is segmented into two separate connectors with potentially different designs optimized for their respective pipes. The first connector is optimized for attachment to the inner pipe, while the second connector is optimized for extending through the annular wall and connecting to the outer pipe, providing connection flexibility without requiring complex single-connector designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-connector arrangement allows connection flexibility by enabling assembly from different dimensions: the first connector is accessed from within the vacuum space or laterally, while the second connector is accessed axially through the annular wall. This dimensional separation provides operational flexibility that a single connector cannot achieve.
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
Facilitates convenient assembly and maintenance by enabling blind connections, maintaining thermal insulation, and providing robust seals against cryogenic fluid leaks, suitable for aircraft fuel systems.
Implementation Method 1
The inner pipe is distanced from the outer pipe to provide a space, and the space is evacuated to define a vacuum
Implementation Method 2
the vacuum-insulated pipe assembly comprises an annular wall extending inwardly from the outer pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum-insulated pipe assembly having an outer pipe and an inner pipe within the outer pipe, the inner pipe distanced from the outer pipe to provide a space, the space evacuated to define a vacuum. The vacuum-insulated pipe assembly has an annular wall extending inwardly from the outer pipe and defining an aperture about a central axis, the annular wall defining a closed end of the space. The vacuum-insulated pipe assembly has a first connector connected to the inner pipe, and a second connector extending through the aperture and connected to the first connector. The first connector and the second connector are each hollow and connected such that the inner pipe is in fluid communication with the second connector through the aperture. Also a system and a method for making a vacuum-insulated pipe assembly.