Vessel Locking Arrangement With Segmented Clamping Elements
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing destruction systems for detonation-dangerous materials require complex and costly locking mechanisms to ensure safety and reliability, which are difficult to operate and prone to manufacturing inaccuracies and thermal issues.
Innovation Solution
A locking arrangement using elongated connection elements with mechanical actuators to clamp vessel portions together, eliminating the need for a locking ring, allowing for cost-effective materials and reduced manufacturing complexity, while ensuring a secure and gas-tight interconnection.
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 (e.g., bolts or lugs) distributed around the circumference of the vessel portions. Each connection element independently contributes to the clamping force, allowing the system to achieve reliability through distribution rather than relying on a single complex locking ring structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking ring is completely removed from the design. Instead, connection elements are directly attached to the vessel portions and work in conjunction with actuators to create the clamping force. This extraction eliminates the complexity of the locking ring while maintaining the essential function of interconnecting the vessel portions.
2Reliability
If a locking ring is used to ensure gas-tight connection, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection is segmented into multiple discrete connection elements distributed around the circumference. This segmentation allows each element to independently achieve proper alignment and sealing, reducing the cumulative precision requirements compared to a single locking ring that must maintain uniform precision around the entire circumference.
Solution Approach 2:
Each connection element is designed with localized sealing features (such as gaskets or sealing surfaces) that ensure gas-tight connection at each specific location. This local approach to sealing is more forgiving of manufacturing variations than a continuous locking ring that requires uniform precision throughout.
3Strength
If a locking ring is used to withstand detonation loads, then strength is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The strength requirement is segmented across multiple connection elements rather than concentrated in a single locking ring. Each connection element can be designed and manufactured independently using standard, cost-effective components, while the collective arrangement provides the necessary strength to withstand detonation loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The expensive and complex locking ring is removed and replaced with simpler, more manufacturable connection elements. These elements can be produced using conventional manufacturing processes, significantly reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining the required strength through proper design and material selection.
4Force
If a locking ring is used to clamp vessel portions, then clamping force is improved, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical operation of installing and removing a locking ring is replaced with automated or semi-automated actuators that apply clamping force to the connection elements. This substitution maintains or enhances the clamping force while dramatically improving ease of operation, as the actuators can be controlled through simple interfaces or automated sequences.
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, simplifies operation, and maintains reliability and safety by distributing clamping force evenly, preventing leakage and thermal issues, and allowing for efficient handling of detonation-dangerous materials.
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
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
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.