Vessel Locking Arrangement Using Segmented Connection Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing destruction systems for detonation-dangerous materials require complex and costly locking mechanisms, such as locking rings, to ensure safety and reliability, which complicates manufacturing and operation.
Innovation Solution
A locking arrangement using a plurality of elongated connection elements and at least one mechanical actuator to interconnect vessel portions, eliminating the need for a locking ring and allowing for the use of less costly materials and reduced manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking ring is used to interconnect vessel portions, then reliability and safety are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring is segmented into multiple discrete connection elements (first connection element, second connection element, etc.) that can be independently positioned and secured. Each connection element engages with corresponding features on the vessel portions, distributing the locking function across multiple simple components rather than one complex ring structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection elements are extracted from the vessel portions and positioned externally to interconnect them. This allows the use of less costly materials for the connection elements compared to a locking ring that would need to withstand full detonation loads, while still achieving reliable interconnection for the intended purpose.
2Reliability
If a locking ring is used to ensure detonation-proof connection, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection elements are designed as simpler, less expensive components compared to a full locking ring. While they may not withstand repeated detonation cycles like a locking ring would, they provide sufficient reliability for the intended single-use or limited-use application at reduced manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the locking function into multiple discrete connection elements, each element can be manufactured more simply and cheaply than a single locking ring, while the collective arrangement provides the necessary reliability for detonation-proof connection.
3Manufacturing precision
If high-accuracy machining is used for locking ring, then connection precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection features are distributed across multiple connection elements and corresponding features on the vessel portions. This segmentation allows each individual feature to be manufactured with lower precision requirements, while the collective arrangement achieves the necessary overall connection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection elements act as intermediaries between the vessel portions, providing a interface that tolerates variations in manufacturing precision. The engagement features on the connection elements and vessel portions are designed to accommodate reasonable manufacturing tolerances while maintaining secure connection.
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
The solution reduces manufacturing costs and simplifies operation by using less expensive materials and eliminating the need for high-accuracy machining, while maintaining a secure and detonation-proof interconnection.
Implementation Method 1
at least one mechanical actuator arranged between the second vessel portion and the second end of the plurality of elongated connection elements, wherein the at least one mechanical actuator is adapted to exert a pressure between the second vessel portion and the second end of the plurality of elongated connection elements to clamp the first vessel portion to the second vessel portion
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a destruction system, and particularly to a locking arrangement arranged to improve an interconnection between a first and a second vessel portion of the destruction system.