SEALING ARRANGEMENT

Abstract

SEALING, AND METHOD FOR SEALING BETWEEN A FIRST COMPONENT AND A SECOND COMPONENT. A seal includes a sealing body formed as a closed circuit. The sealing body having an upper surface and a lower surface. The sealing body comprises an inner wall and an outer wall. The lower surface comprises an inner wing and an outer wing that extends laterally from the outer surface to provide lateral sealing. The upper surface of the seal is configured to provide a sealing contact when the seal is driven into engagement by means of fluid pressure.

Description

/ 14 SEALING ARRANGEMENT

[001] This description refers to seals that provide simultaneous sealing on multiple sealing surfaces. More specifically, this description refers to seals that interact with gases and activation pressures to provide simultaneous sealing around the seal's inner diameter (ID), outer diameter (OD), and face surfaces.

[002] Seals, such as elastomer seals, are used to stop the passage of fluid between closely placed components. A well-known type of seal is an O-ring seal, which can be disposed in a groove or channel formed in one of the components and compressively engaged with the other component. In such use, the O-ring seal can be disposed in an annular space between, for example, fitted cylinders or other correspondingly shaped components.

[003] Seals may also be required to stop the passage of fluid between a component with a groove or channel to hold the seal and a flat surface on the nearby component. In some cases, components may require the ability to move laterally relative to each other while maintaining a fluid-tight seal and preventing damage to the seal. There is a need for improved seals for use in such applications. Summary

[004] One aspect of the present description is a seal including a sealing body. The sealing body is formed as a closed circuit, having an upper surface and a lower surface. The sealing body comprises an inner wall and an outer wall. The lower surface comprises an inner wing and an outer wing extending laterally from the outer surface, the wings configured to provide lateral sealing surfaces. The upper surface comprises at least one raised portion configured to provide a sealing surface. By Petition 870260001826, dated 08 / 01 / 2026, page 11 / 46 / 14 less one between the inner wall and the outer wall comprises a relief and a reinforcement is arranged in the relief.

[005] In some forms, the reinforcement is made of a material with less resilience than a material used to form the sealing body.

[006] In some modalities, reinforcement includes a toroid.

[007] In some forms, the reinforcement comprises metal.

[008] In some forms, the reinforcement includes a spring.

[009] In some forms, the inner and outer walls each comprise a relief, with a reinforcement placed in each relief.

[0010] In some embodiments, the sealing body comprises an elastomer.

[0011] Some embodiments additionally include at least one reinforcement provided in the sealing body.

[0012] In some embodiments, at least one reinforcement provided in the sealing body comprises a ring or an annular spring.

[0013] Some versions additionally include two reinforcements arranged in the sealing body.

[0014] Some forms also include a recess between the inner and outer wing.

[0015] Some embodiments additionally include an O-ring seal disposed in the recess.

[0016] In some embodiments, the seal is arranged in a channel in a first component and a second component is arranged close to the seal and the channel to define a passage between the first component and the second component.

[0017] In some forms, the passage is configured to receive a fluid under pressure.

[0018] In some forms, the inner wing is propelled towards Petition 870260001826, dated 08 / 01 / 2026, page 12 / 46 / 14 contact with a first wall of the channel and the outer wing is propelled into contact with a second wall of the channel.

[0019] In some embodiments, the channel is in fluid communication with a fluid pressure source.

[0020] In some embodiments, the channel comprises a deviated edge to communicate fluid pressure in the passage to the channel.

[0021] In some embodiments, the channel is in fluid communication with a chamber configured to contain a pressurized fluid within it.

[0022] A method for sealing between a first component and a second component according to another aspect of this description includes disposing of a seal in a channel formed in the first component. The seal comprises a sealing body formed as a closed loop. The sealing body has an upper surface and a lower surface. The sealing body comprises an inner wall and an outer wall, wherein the lower surface comprises an inner wing and an outer wing extending laterally from the outer surface to contact a corresponding wall of the channel to provide lateral sealing. The upper surface comprises at least a raised portion to contact a surface on the second component to provide a sealing surface. Fluid pressure is applied to a gap between the channel and the seal so as to force the upper sealing surface to make sealing contact with a surface on the second component.

[0023] In some embodiments, the application of fluid pressure comprises applying pressure to a defined passage between the first and second components so that the pressure passes through at least one of the inner and outer wings to load the space between the seal and the channel.

[0024] In some embodiments, the channel comprises a deflected edge to allow the passage of fluid pressure through the inner wing and the outer wing. Petition 870260001826, dated 08 / 01 / 2026, page 13 / 46 / 14

[0025] In some embodiments, the channel is in fluid communication with a chamber configured to contain a pressurized fluid within it.

[0026] In some embodiments, the passage is configured to receive a pressurized fluid originating from a driven load.

[0027] In some forms, at least one of the inner and outer walls comprises a relief, with a reinforcement arranged in the relief.

[0028] In some embodiments, the seal comprises at least one reinforcement disposed in the sealing body.

[0029] Other aspects and potential advantages will become apparent from the description and claims that follow. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] Figure 1A shows a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a fence according to this description.

[0031] Figure 1B shows a cross-section of the uninstalled seal along section line 1B-1B' in Figure 1A.

[0032] Figure 1C shows an enlarged view of a cross-section of the seal indicated in detail B of Figure 1B.

[0033] Figure 2 shows a cross-section of another type of seal.

[0034] Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a seal according to this description installed on the sealing coupling in an intended use of the seal.

[0035] Figure 4 shows another embodiment of a seal 10 according to this description.

[0036] Figure 5 shows a cross-section of another embodiment of a seal 10 according to this description.

[0037] Figure 6 shows another embodiment of a seal 10 according to this description.

[0038] Figures 7A and 7B show a cross-section of another Petition 870260001826, dated 08 / 01 / 2026, page 14 / 46 / 14 modality in accordance with this description. Detailed Description

[0039] Figure 1A shows a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a seal according to this description. The seal 10 can be shaped as an annular ring. The embodiment in Figure 1A can have an oval or “race track” configuration. Embodiments of the seal 10 can be implemented with various dimensions along one or both of the major and minor axes (for example, some embodiments can also be implemented in a circular configuration). It will be verified by those skilled in the art that the seal 10 according to this description can be formed from conventional materials suitable for the desired application, as known in the art (for example, resilient materials: elastomers: rubber compounds, synthetic elastomeric materials; or compounds, etc.). Figure 1B shows a cross-section of the seal 10 along the section line 1B-1B' in Figure 1A.The seal 10 includes a centrally located body 12, which can vary in height (thickness) depending on the desired application for the seal 10.

[0040] Figure 1C shows an enlarged view of a cross-section of the seal 10 indicated in detail B of Figure 1B. One side of the seal 10 forms a wall of inner diameter 14 and the opposite side forms the wall of outer diameter 16. The positions of the respective walls 14, 16 in relation to the seal 10 are shown in Figure 1A. Each wall 14, 16 extends from the top surface 33 of the seal 10 towards the bottom surface 35 of the seal 10, forming a smooth annular surface. The lower section of each wall 14, 16 may extend outwards, respectively, forming an inner edge or projection 18 and an outer edge or projection 20. Below the inner projection 18, the lower portion of the body of the seal 10 defines an inclined surface that extends outwards (laterally) from the body 12 of the seal 10 to form an inner wing 22. Similarly, the Petition 870260001826, dated 01 / 08 / 2026, p. 15 / 46 / 14 lower portion of the seal body 10 extending from the outer projection 20 defines an inclined surface extending outward (laterally) from the seal body 12 to form an outer wing 24. The bottom surface 35 of the seal 10 may comprise a pair of concentric recesses or grooves (with reference to the entire seal 10) 26, 28 extending along the entire seal circuit, shown in Figure 1C as a recess or depression adjacent to each wing 22, 24. The recesses or grooves 26, 28 allow each wing 22, 24 to have the flexibility to spread outward or compress inward (laterally) depending on the forces applied to the seal 10 (such forces described further below).One tip of each wing 22, 24 can be shaped to provide an effective seal with a minimum surface contact area of ​​each wing in relation to a surface to which the wings 22, 24 are intended to seal, as explained in more detail in this document.

[0041] In some embodiments, the seal 10 includes one or more raised portions 30, 32 extending from the upper sealing surface 33. Each raised portion 30, 32 may be formed as a ring extending along the entire loop of the upper sealing surface 33. Example positions of the raised portions 30, 32 with reference to the entire seal 10 are shown in Figure 1A. In some embodiments, the upper surface 33 may also be configured with corresponding recessed portions 31 formed as grooves, recesses or trenches running along the entire loop of the upper surface 33. When the seal 10 is installed in an application where the raised portions 30, 32 come into contact with another surface in a compressive seal engagement (for example, see Figure 3), the recessed portions 31 provide space for the material of the raised portions 30, 32 to be compressed and displaced.

[0042] An internal element 36, for example, a structural reinforcement, Petition 870260001826, dated 08 / 01 / 2026, page 16 / 46 / 14 is arranged in a relief 14A formed on the inner circumference of the seal 10. The internal element 36 is configured to rest against the surface of the inner wall 14, its upper end being level with the top edge of the seal wall 10 and arranged in the internal projection 18 at its lower end. An external element 38, for example, a structural reinforcement, is fitted onto the seal 10 in a relief 16A formed on the outer circumference, its upper end being level with the upper surface 33 and arranged in the external projection 20 at its lower end. In some embodiments, the upper end of the internal and / or external elements 36 and 38 may be slightly recessed from the upper surface 33.“Superior” and “inferior” as used in this description mean only the orientation with reference to the figures in the drawing and are not intended to limit the physical orientation of the seal 10 in any application for the seal 10. The inner and outer elements 36, 38 may each comprise a solid annular ring or a spring (e.g., toroid-shaped) dimensioned respectively to conform to the ID and OD of the body 12 (See Figure 1B). The elements 36, 38 may be formed from conventional materials suitable for the desired application as is known in the art. In some embodiments, the inner and / or outer elements 36, 38 may be formed from materials that are harder or more rigid (e.g., metal, hard thermoplastic, etc.) than the material used to form the seal body 12.The internal and external elements 36, 38 can be fixed to the sealing body 12 by any suitable means known in the art (e.g., hot fusion, adhesives, interference fit, etc.). In some embodiments, the elements 36, 38 can be molded into the sealing body 12 using manufacturing techniques known in the art.

[0043] Figure 2 shows a cross-section of another embodiment of a seal 10 according to this description. The seal 10 can Petition 870260001826, dated 01 / 08 / 2026, p. 17 / 46 / 14 comprise a pair of rings 40, 42 embedded within the sealing body 12. The rings 40 are arranged near the upper surface of the seal 10, with one ring 40 placed near the inner wall 14 and the other ring 42 placed near the outer wall 16. The rings 40, 42 may be formed from a material less resilient than the sealing body 12, such as metal or rigid plastic, and may be formed as a one-piece or multi-piece circuit extending throughout the sealing circuit 10. In some embodiments, the rings 40, 42 comprise metal springs, for example, made of spring metal such as phosphor bronze. Rings 40 and 42 can be molded into the seal 10 during the manufacture of the seal 10 in any manner known in the art.Rings 40, 42 can provide additional structural support to the seal 10 and can provide seal extrusion resistance in certain implementations (further described below). The bottom surface 35 of the seal 10 can be configured with a single groove 44 running along the entire seal circuit, represented as a notch or recess symmetrically arranged between the wings 22, 24.

[0044] Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a seal 10 according to this embodiment installed in the sealing coupling in an intended use of the seal 10. Figure 3 shows a cross-section of the seal 10 corresponding to the cross-section of Figure 1C as installed within a sealing groove or channel 46 formed in a first component 48. The seal 10 is shown compressed between the first component 48 and a second component 50. The first 48 and second 50 components represent a manufactured article with the components arranged close to each other, yet providing a passage, orifice or separation 52, allowing fluid (e.g., liquid and / or gas) to flow in any direction, in the absence of the presence of the seal 10 as shown. It will be recognized that such a configuration for sealing Petition 870260001826, dated 08 / 01 / 2026, page 18 / 46 / 14 such passage is well known in manufacturing articles. As installed, the seal 10 is compressed within the channel 46 so that the top surface of the seal 10 contacts the second component 50. The one or more raised portions 30, 32 on the seal 10 are compressed against the surface of the second component 50, forming a seal face engagement. The inner wing sections 22 and outer wing sections 24 spread outward from the center of the sealing body 12, forming a radial sealing engagement B, C against the side walls of the groove or channel 46. As shown in Figure 3, the seal 10 provides face sealing A and radial sealing B, C against fluid passage along the separation 52. Although shown in a cross-sectional view in Figure 3, it will be verified that the seal 10 is formed as an annular ring or circuit in its entirety, similar to that shown in Figure 1A.

[0045] Figure 4 shows another embodiment of a seal 10 according to this description. An O-ring seal 54 may be disposed at the bottom of the seal 10, residing between the wings 22, 24. The O-ring seal 54 helps to spread the wings 22, 24 outward from the seal body 12 to seal against each side of the channel 46. The present embodiment of the seal 10 may also be configured with internal elements 36 and external elements 38 as shown in Figure 1C. In addition to providing structural support, the internal and external elements 36 can reduce or prevent wear on the edges of the seal 10 and resist extrusion of the seal 10 from the channel 46 in applications where the first 48 and / or the second component 50 is configured for movement relative to the other component (for example, when the installation is such that the second component 50 is configured for sliding movement (from left to right in Figure 4) over the first component 48).

[0046] Figure 5 shows a cross-section of another embodiment of a seal 10 according to this description. A seal 10 is installed Petition 870260001826, dated 08 / 01 / 2026, page 19 / 46 / 14 within a channel 46 between a first component 48 and a second component 50. In this embodiment, the first component 48 includes a chamber 56 formed therein and in fluid communication with the recess or channel 46 through a port 58. The chamber 56 may provide a sealed space configured to contain a fluid (e.g., nitrogen or other gas) under pressure. It will be verified by those skilled in the art that the chamber 56 can be formed in the first component 48 by any suitable means known in the art (e.g., a machined cavity with a sealing end cap, by molding, by 3D printing, etc.). In some embodiments, the chamber 56 can be pressurized by injecting a suitable fluid, for example, gas, through a nozzle 60 into a threaded end cap 62, which end cap 62 closes the chamber 56 at one end as shown in Figure 5.In some embodiments, a pressurized gas cartridge 64 can be used to fill the chamber 56 with any desired gas, as known in the art. In some embodiments, the chamber 56 can be pressurized with a suitable liquid (e.g., oil or grease). In some embodiments, a hardening or curing filler compound (e.g., epoxy or thermoplastic) may be used to pressurize chamber 56 and thus energize seal 10.

[0047] When seal 10 is installed in channel 46, wings 22, 24 on seal 10 extend to simultaneously contact both sides of channel 46. Once fluid pressure (shown by arrow 66) is applied to the space in channel 46 below seal 10, for example, through port 58, seal 10 moves upward as a result of the fact that the side walls of channel 46 are closed to fluid flow through wings 22, 24 on seal body 12.The higher the pressure of gas 66, the greater the sealing forces applied to wings 22, 24. As such, wings 22, 24 ensure that seal 10 is activated by pressure and thus energized. Petition 870260001826, dated 08 / 01 / 2026, page 20 / 46 / 14

[0048] As shown in Figure 5, the raised portion(s) 30 at the top of the seal 10 also provide a seal against face A due to engagement with the second component 50. The seal by face A can also be activated by pressurized gas 66 acting on the area below the seal 10 in the recess or channel 46. In embodiments such as those shown in Figure 4, the inclusion of an O-ring seal 54 between the wings 22, 24 can provide seal activation before fluid pressure 66 is applied, thus providing a low-pressure sealing capability as well as a higher-pressure capability after fluid pressure activation of the seal 10.

[0049] Figure 6 shows another embodiment of a seal 10 according to this description. The seal 10 is shown installed within a channel 46 to provide a seal between a first component 48 and a second component 50. As with the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the first component 48 includes a chamber 56 in fluid communication with the channel 46 through a port 58. In the present embodiment, the chamber 56 includes a piston 68 configured to slide within the chamber 56, separating the chamber into two volumes V1, V2. With a cylindrical chamber 56, the piston 68 comprises a flat disc or cylinder with an O-ring seal 70 disposed in a groove 71 formed in the circumference of the piston 68. The piston 68 can be formed of any suitable material. In some embodiments, the chamber 56 can be sealed using metal / metal seals.The volume V1 of chamber 56 can be pressurized by injecting a suitable fluid, for example, gas, through the nozzle 60 into the end cap 62 sealing the chamber at one end. The fluid pressure can be supplied, for example, by a pressurized gas cartridge (64 in Figure 5), or any other suitable means as described in this document. On the other side of piston 68, the volume V2 of chamber 56 can contain a semi-solid compound 72 (for example, suitable grease or other semi-solid compound known in the art). The volume V2 can be pre-loaded with the compound. Petition 870260001826, dated 08 / 01 / 2026, page 21 / 46 / 14 during the assembly of the structure. The use of compound 72 in volume V2 may provide an advantage in some implementations where higher pressures need to be applied to activate seal 10, since compound 72 is less prone to leakage than, for example, liquid or gas.

[0050] Although the seals 10 in Figures 5 and 6 are shown as energized (i.e., with the pressurized gas / compound acting in the space below the seal), the seals can also be implemented in configurations where the seals are not pressurized. A seal 10 can be positioned to initially seat in channel 46 without application of the pressurized gas 66 or compound 72. In such applications, the seal 10 provides sealing against both sides of channel 46 through wings 22, 24, without face A being in contact with the second component 50. Then, at a subsequent time, the pressurized fluid, for example, gas 66 or compound 72, can be pressurized to act in the space below the seal 10. Once the sides of the channel are closed, the seal 10 moves upwards to engage face A with the second component 50, establishing a seal on face A.It will be recognized that the pressures applied to face A and the sides (e.g., wings 22, 24) of the seal 10 may differ depending on the implementation. The assurance control allows the seal on face A to be maintained as desired. It will also be recognized by those skilled in the art that some embodiments may be configured with conventional electronics and software to automatically and autonomously pressurize chamber 56 to energize the seals 10 to establish a face seal on face A at a desired time or under certain conditions.

[0051] Figure 7A shows a cross-section of another embodiment according to this description. A seal 10 is installed to sit inside a channel 46 in a non-pressurized state. The first component 48 is Petition 870260001826, dated 08 / 01 / 2026, page 22 / 46 / 14 configured in which channel 46 has a deflected edge 74. The embodiments may be implemented with the deflected edge 74 comprising: a downward taper in channel 46, one or more slits running along the edge surface, or holes formed in the edge. The deflected edge 74 may be formed on one or both sides of channel 46. In the unactuated state, the fluid pressure in the space below the seal 10 is equal to the fluid pressure at the separation 52 between the first 48 and second 50 components. In this implementation, a structure (not shown) comprising the first 48 and second 50 components is designed so that the fluid pressure at the separation 52 undergoes a significant and rapid increase under certain conditions. Such conditions may include, for example, the ignition of a charge 53 generating a gas that expands to separation 52.

[0052] Figure 7B shows such high-pressure gas (arrow 76) passing through the deflected edge 74 and moving into channel 46. The flexible wing 22 in the seal 10 allows the high-pressure gas 76 to fill the space in channel 46 below the seal 10. The rapid increase in gas pressure acting in the space below the seal 10 propels the seal 10 upwards in channel 46 to engage the sealing face A against the second component 50, thus blocking the passage of gas 76 to the other side of the seal 10. After a seal is established by energizing seal 10, the gas pressure in channel 46 below seal 10 drives seal 10 into contact with the second component, thus maintaining a fluid-tight seal between the first component 48 and the second component 50. Any of the sealing embodiments described 10 can be used as shown in Figures 7A and 7B for such activation by applying pressure to passage 52.

[0053] In light of the principles and example arrangements described and illustrated in this document, it will be recognized that the example arrangements may be modified in arrangement and detail without departing from such principles. Petition 870260001826, dated 01 / 08 / 2026, p. 23 / 46 / 14 The preceding discussion focused on specific modalities, but other configurations are also contemplated. In particular, although expressions such as “in a modality” or similar are used in this document, these phrases are intended to refer generally to modality possibilities and are not intended to limit the description to particular modality configurations. As used in this document, these terms may refer to the same or different modalities that are combinable into other modalities. As a rule, any modality referenced herein is freely combinable with any one or more of the other modalities referenced herein, and any number of features of different modalities are combinable with each other unless otherwise indicated. Although only a few examples have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that many modifications are possible within the scope of the examples described.Consequently, all of these modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this description as defined in the following claims. Petition 870260001826, dated 01 / 08 / 2026, p. 24 / 46

Claims

1 / 2 CLAIMS 1. Sealing arrangement comprising: a sealing body (12) formed as a closed circuit; the sealing body (12) having an upper surface (33), a lower surface (35), an inner wall (14) and an outer wall (16); wherein the lower surface (35) comprises an inner wing (22) and an outer wing (24) extending laterally from the outer surface, the wings (22, 24) configured to provide lateral sealing surfaces; wherein the upper surface (33) comprises at least one raised portion configured to provide a sealing surface; wherein at least one of the inner wall (14) and the outer wall (16) comprises a relief (14A); wherein a reinforcement (36, 38) is disposed in the relief (14A); wherein the sealing body (12) is disposed in a channel (46) of a component (48);and wherein at least one of the inner wall (14) or the outer wall (16) of the sealing body (12) is in sealing contact with a corresponding wall of the channel (46); characterized in that the channel (46) is configured to: a) receive a fluid (66, 72) to impel the sealing body (12) to slide out of the channel (46); b) release the received fluid to allow the sealing body (12) to retract slidingly into the channel (46); and, c) alternate between steps a) and b).

2. Sealing arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises an O-ring seal (54) disposed in the channel (46) near the lower surface (35) of the sealing body (12).

3. Sealing arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the channel (46) is in fluid communication with a chamber (56) configured to contain the fluid (66, 72).

4. Sealing arrangement according to claim 3, characterized in that it further comprises a piston (68) configured to move within the chamber (56) to communicate the fluid to the channel (46) and to allow reception of the fluid released from the channel (46) within the chamber (56).

5. Sealing arrangement according to claim 3, characterized in that it further comprises a movable piston (68) disposed within the chamber (56) and configured to change a volume within the chamber to allow reception of fluid released from the channel (46).

6. Sealing arrangement according to claim 3, characterized in that it further comprises a movable piston (68) disposed within the chamber (56) and configured to supply fluid to the channel (46) under pressure. Petition 870260001826, dated 08 / 01 / 2026, page 26 / 46

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