Heat shrink resistant support ring for dynamic radial seal

Abstract

Systems and methods include providing a seal for a component. The seal includes a boot having a base, an inner seal leg, and an outer seal leg, and further includes a spring disposed within the boot, between and in contact with the inner and outer seal legs. The spring includes an annular support ring disposed within the spring. The support ring biases an outer diameter (OD) of the spring toward the outer seal leg of the boot to maintain a contact pressure between the inner seal leg of the boot and a shaft of the component. The support ring controls thermal contraction of the spring to maintain a seal between a housing of the component and the shaft when the component is operated at low temperatures.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Seals are used in many industrial applications to prevent leakage between components of an assembly. In some applications, these seals can be subjected to extreme operating conditions, such as low and / or high temperatures, which can cause portions of the seal or components of the assembly to shrink, expand, or deform, thereby reducing the contact pressure between the seal and the components. The reduction in contact pressure under these extreme operating conditions can result in leakage between the seal and one or more of the components. Accordingly, seals subjected to such extreme operating conditions require higher reliability to properly maintain their sealing function. As a result, the industry continually demands improvements in sealing technology for such applications. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0002] For a more complete understanding of the manner in which the feature and advantages of the implementation are realized, reference is made to the

[0003] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an assembly having a ring seal in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0004] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a spring and support ring of a ring seal in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0005] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a spring and support ring of a ring seal in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0006] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a spring and support ring of a ring seal in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0007] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an assembly having a ring seal in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, and illustrates a contact pressure (CP) distribution on the ring seal.

[0008] The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] Figure 1A partial cutaway view of an assembly 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In some embodiments, the assembly 100 can be a coupling assembly, a solenoid assembly, or a valve assembly. In more particular embodiments, the assembly 100 can be an aerospace, alternative energy, medical, or subsea coupler, solenoid, or valve. The assembly 100 can generally include a housing 102 and a shaft 104 that rotates or reciprocates within the housing about or along an axis 106. In some embodiments, the shaft 104 can include a hollow shaft. However, in other embodiments, the shaft 104 can include a solid shaft. The assembly 100 can also include a cavity 108 formed within the housing 102 and between the housing 102 and the shaft 104. In some embodiments, the housing 102 can include one or more additional components that collectively form the housing 102. For example, in some embodiments, the additional components are selectively removable from the housing 102 to allow access to the cavity 108 to allow installation and / or removal of an annular seal 150 disposed within the cavity 108.

[0010] The annular seal 150 can generally be disposed within the cavity 108 and about the shaft 104 and / or the axis 106. The seal 150 can be configured to contact and provide a radial seal between the housing 102 and the shaft 104 of the assembly 100. The seal 150 can include a sheath 152, an annular energizing element or spring 160, and a support ring 170 annularly disposed within the spring 160. The sheath 152 can include a heel or base 154 that is adjacent to and in contact with a portion of the housing 102. The sheath 152 can also include an inner seal leg 156 that extends from the base 154 and is adjacent to and in contact with the shaft 104 and an outer seal leg 158 that extends from the base 154 and is adjacent to and in contact with the housing 102. However, in other embodiments, the sheath 152 can include additional features and / or profiles. The sheath 152 can generally be formed from a thermoset material, a thermoplastic material, or a combination thereof. More particularly, the sheath 152 can be formed from PTFE, a fluoropolymer, a perfluoropolymer, TFM, PVF, PVDF, PCTFE, PFA, FEP, ETFE, ECTFE, PCTFE, a polyaryletherketone such as PEEK, PEK, or PEKK, a polysulfone such as PPS, PPSU, PSU, PPE, or PPO, an aromatic polyamide such as PPA, a thermoplastic polyimide such as PI, PEI, or TPI, or any combination thereof with or without reinforcing additives or fillers.

[0011] In some embodiments, the spring 160 can include a circular metallic annulus having an inner diameter (ID) and an outer diameter (OD) measured from the axis 106 of the shaft 104. In some embodiments, the ID of the spring 160 can be at least 1 mm, at least 2 mm, at least 3 mm, at least 4 mm, at least 5 mm, at least 6 mm, at least 7 mm, at least 8 mm, at least 9 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 25 mm, at least 50 mm, at least 75 mm, at least 100 mm, at least 150 mm, at least 200 mm, at least 250 mm, at least 300 mm, at least 400 mm, at least 500 mm, or even larger. In some embodiments, the OD of the spring 160 can be at least 1 mm, at least 2 mm, at least 3 mm, at least 4 mm, at least 5 mm, at least 6 mm, at least 7 mm, at least 8 mm, at least 9 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 11 mm, at least 12 mm, at least 13 mm, at least 14 mm, at least 15 mm, at least 25 mm, at least 50 mm, at least 75 mm, at least 100 mm, at least 150 mm, at least 200 mm, at least 250 mm, at least 300 mm, at least 500 mm, at least 1000 mm, or even larger. In some embodiments, the spring 160 can include a non-circular metallic annulus having an outer diameter (OD). For example, in some embodiments, the spring 160 can include a C-shaped spring. Further, in some embodiments, the spring 160 can include a circular or non-circular helical spring.

[0012] The spring 160 can be disposed within the sheath 152 between and in contact with the inner sealing leg 156 and the outer sealing leg 158 of the sheath 152. More specifically, the spring 160 can be disposed within the sheath 152 such that the inner diameter of the metallic annulus of the spring 160 is adjacent to and in contact with the inner sealing leg 156 of the sheath 152 and such that the outer diameter of the metallic annulus of the spring 160 is adjacent to and in contact with the outer sealing leg 158 of the sheath 152. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring 160 includes a substantially circular cross-sectional profile or shape. However, in other embodiments, the spring 160 can include an elliptical, oval, or other shaped cross-sectional profile or shape. The spring 160 can generally be formed from an elastic metallic material. More specifically, the spring 160 can be formed from a nickel-chromium based alloy, such as Inconel® ), a nickel-based alloy, a cobalt-chromium-nickel-molybdenum alloy, a beryllium-copper alloy, nickel, titanium, tungsten, stainless steel, spring steel, steel, aluminum, zinc, copper, magnesium, tin, platinum, lead, iron, or bronze. In some embodiments, the spring 160 can include a coating, such as an aluminum chromium nitride (AlCrN) coating, a titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN) coating, any other wear-resistant metallic coating, or any combination thereof.

[0013] Figure 2A cross-sectional view of the spring 160 and the support ring 170 is shown in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The support ring 170 can be generally annularly disposed within the spring 160. In some embodiments, the support ring 170 can be disposed adjacent to an outer diameter of the spring 160. In some embodiments, the support ring 170 can be radially aligned with a center 162 of the spring 160. More specifically, in some embodiments, the support ring 170 can be axially positioned such that a center 172 of the support ring 170 can be radially aligned with the center 162 of the spring 160. Further, in some embodiments, the support ring 170 can be at least partially in contact with the spring 160. More specifically, in some embodiments, an outer surface of the support ring 170 can be at least partially in contact with an inner surface of the spring 160. Further, in some embodiments, the support ring 170 can be coupled to the spring 160. However, in some embodiments, the support ring 170 can be separate from the spring 160 or free to move, rotate, or translate independently of the spring 160.

[0014] In some embodiments, the outer surface of the support ring 170 can not be in contact with the inner surface of the spring 160 without compression. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that the support provided by the support ring 170 to the spring 160 can be a function of the cross-sectional shape as well as the spacing or tolerance between the inner surface of the spring 160 and the outer surface of the support ring 170. For example, in some embodiments, the tolerance between the inner surface of the spring 160 and the outer surface of the support ring 170 can be at least 0.05 millimeters (mm), at least 0.10 mm, at least 0.15 mm, at least 0.20 mm, at least 0.25 mm, at least 0.30 mm, at least 0.35 mm, at least 0.40 mm, at least 0.45 mm, at least 0.50 mm, or at least 0.75 mm. In some embodiments, the tolerance between the inner surface of the spring 160 and the outer surface of the support ring 170 can be no greater than 1 mm, no greater than 0.75 mm, no greater than 0.50 mm, no greater than 0.305 mm, no greater than 0.280 mm, no greater than 0.254 mm, no greater than 0.229 mm, no greater than 0.204 mm, or no greater than 0.20 mm. Further, it should be appreciated that the tolerance between the inner surface of the spring 160 and the outer surface of the support ring 170 can be between any of these minimum and maximum values, such as at least 0.05 mm to no greater than 1 mm, at least 0.20 mm to no greater than 0.305 mm, or at least 0.20 mm to no greater than 0.254 mm.

[0015] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the curvature of the support ring 170 can be complementary to the curvature of the spring 160. In some embodiments, the support ring 170 can include a contact height (CH) that represents the portion of the curvature of the support ring 170 that contacts the spring 160. In some embodiments, the spring 160 and the support ring 170 can not contact when in a free state and not installed in the assembly 100. However, upon installation into the cavity 108 of the assembly 100, the spring 160 and the support ring 170 can contact along the contact height (CH) once the spring 160 is compressed. In some embodiments, the support ring 170 can include a contact height (CH) that can be at least 1%, at least 2%, at least 3%, at least 4%, at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, or at least 25% of the height (H) of the support ring 170. In some embodiments, the support ring 170 can include a contact height (CH) that can be no greater than 75%, no greater than 70%, no greater than 65%, no greater than 60%, no greater than 55%, no greater than 50%, no greater than 40%, or no greater than 30% of the height (H) of the support ring 170. Further, it should be appreciated that the support ring 170 can include a contact height (CH) that can be between any of these minimum and maximum values, such as at least 1% to no greater than 75% of the height (H) of the support ring 170, or even at least 5% to no greater than 30% of the height (H) of the support ring 170.

[0016] The support ring 170 can generally be positioned axially such that the center 172 of the support ring 170 can be radially aligned with the center 162 of the spring 160. In some embodiments, the height (H) and / or the width (W) of the support ring 170 can include a relationship to the diameter (D) of the spring 160. In some embodiments, the relationship between the height (H) of the support ring 170 and the diameter (D) of the spring 160 can be configured to align the center 172 of the support ring 170 with the center 162 of the spring 160. In some embodiments, the height (H) of the support ring 170 can be at least 10%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, or at least 60% of the diameter (D) of the spring 160. In some embodiments, the height (H) of the support ring 170 can be no greater than 95%, no greater than 90%, no greater than 85%, no greater than 80%, or no greater than 75% of the diameter (D) of the spring 160. Further, it should be appreciated that the height (H) of the support ring 170 can be between any of these minimum and maximum values, such as at least 10% to no greater than 95% of the diameter (D) of the spring 160, or even at least 50% to no greater than 80% of the diameter (D) of the spring 160.

[0017] In some embodiments, the relationship between the width (W) of the support ring 170 and the diameter (D) of the spring 160 can be configured to prevent contact between the support ring 170 and the inner diameter of the spring 160 when the spring 160 is radially compressed inward. In some embodiments, the width (W) of the support ring 170 may be at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, or at least 50% of the diameter (D) of the spring 160. In some embodiments, the width (W) of the support ring 170 may not be greater than 75%, not greater than 70%, not greater than 65%, not greater than 60%, not greater than 55%, or not greater than 50% of the diameter (D) of the spring 160. Furthermore, it should be understood that the width (W) of the support ring 170 may be between any of these minimum and maximum values, such as at least 10% to no more than 75% of the diameter (D) of the spring 160, or even at least 25% to no more than 50% of the diameter (D) of the spring 160.

[0018] In some embodiments, the support ring 170 may include an elliptical, circular, or oval cross-sectional profile. In other embodiments, the support ring 170 may include a C-shaped ring cross-sectional profile (such as...). Figure 3 The support ring 370 shown), and complex cross-sectional profiles with convex outer cross-sectional profiles and concave inner cross-sectional profiles (such as...) Figure 4 The support ring 470 shown), hexagonal cross-sectional profile, rhomboid cross-sectional profile, and / or cross-sectional profile that forms multiple contact points with the inner surface of the spring 160 (such as... Figure 4 The support ring 470 shown.

[0019] In some embodiments, it should be understood that the height (H) and width (W) may be different. In one specific embodiment, the height (H) may be greater than the width (W). In some embodiments, the support ring 170 may include a circular cross-sectional profile. In such embodiments, it should be understood that the height (H) and width (W) may be substantially similar. In some embodiments, the support ring 170 may be solid. However, in other embodiments, the support ring 170 may be hollow. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the shape of the support ring 170 may be asymmetrical, such that the support ring 170 includes a convex, outwardly curved shape or surface at the outer diameter of the support ring 170 and / or the OD of the spring 160, while having a concave, convex, or flat shape or surface at the inner diameter of the support ring 170 and / or the ID of the spring 160. In some embodiments, the support ring 170 may also include a split ring configuration, such that the support ring 170 is at least partially circumferentially open and configured to collapse to a smaller diameter under load.

[0020] In some embodiments, the support ring 170 can be formed from a polymeric material. In such embodiments, the polymeric material can include PTFE, a fluoropolymer, a perfluoropolymer, TFM, PVF, PVDF, PCTFE, PFA, FEP, ETFE, ECTFE, PCTFE, a polyarylketone such as PEEK, PEK, or PEKK, a polysulfone such as PPS, PPSU, PSU, PPE, or PPO, an aromatic polyamide such as PPA, a thermoplastic polyimide such as PI, PEI, or TPI, or any combination thereof (with or without reinforcing additives or fillers). In some embodiments, the support ring 170 can be formed from a metallic material. In such embodiments, the metallic material can include a nickel-chromium-based alloy such as ), a nickel-based alloy, a cobalt-chromium-nickel-molybdenum alloy, a beryllium-copper alloy, nickel, titanium, tungsten, stainless steel, spring steel, steel, aluminum, zinc, copper, magnesium, tin, platinum, lead, iron, or bronze. Further, in some embodiments, the support ring 170 can also include a coating such as an aluminum-chromium-nitride (AlCrN) coating, a titanium-aluminum-nitride (TiAlN) coating, any other wear-resistant metallic coating, or any combination thereof.

[0021] The support ring 170 can generally be configured to bias the outer diameter (OD) of the spring 160 toward the outer sealing leg 158 of the sheath 152 to maintain contact pressure between the outer sealing leg 158 of the sheath 152 and the outer housing 102 and / or between the inner sealing leg 156 of the sheath and the shaft 104 of the assembly 100. The support ring can also be configured to control thermal contraction (or thermal expansion in the case of high temperatures) of the spring 160, the outer sealing leg 158, or a combination thereof to maintain a seal between the outer housing 102 and the shaft 104 of the assembly 100 when the assembly 100 is operated at low temperatures. It should be appreciated that the biasing effect of the support ring 170 on the spring 160 can only be realized after the seal 150 is installed within the cavity 108 of the assembly 100 in some embodiments.

[0022] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a spring 160 and a support ring 370 according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In some embodiments, the support ring 370 can be similar to the support ring 170 and suitable for use in the annular seal 150. The support ring 370 can generally include a C-ring cross-sectional profile with a convex outer surface 372 at the outer diameter of the support ring 170 and / or the OD of the spring 160 and a concave inner surface 374 at the inner diameter of the support ring 170 and / or the ID of the spring 160.

[0023] Figure 4is a cross-sectional view of a spring 160 and a support ring 470 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the support ring 470 can be similar to the support ring 170 and suitable for use in the annular seal 150. The support ring 470 can include an outer surface 472 at the outer diameter of the support ring 170 and / or the OD of the spring 160. In some embodiments, the outer surface 472 can protrude outwardly. In some embodiments, the outwardly protruding surface 472 can be convex. In some embodiments, the outwardly protruding surface 472 can be formed of a plurality of flat segments (e.g., 3 segments, 4 segments, 5 segments). In other embodiments, the outer surface 472 can be substantially flat. In other embodiments, the outer surface 472 can protrude inwardly. In some embodiments, the inwardly protruding surface 472 can be convex. In some embodiments, the inwardly protruding surface 472 can be formed of a plurality of flat segments (e.g., 3 segments, 4 segments, 5 segments). The support ring 470 can include a concave and / or angled inner surface 474 at the inner diameter of the support ring 170 and / or the ID of the spring 160. In some embodiments, the support ring 470 can include a top surface and a bottom surface 476 extending from the outer surface 472. In some embodiments, the support ring 470 can also include an angled transition surface 478 disposed between each of the top and bottom surfaces 476 and each of the angled surfaces of the concave inner surface 474.

[0024] Further, in some embodiments, the support ring 470 can include a cross-sectional profile that forms a plurality of contact points 480 with the inner surface of the spring 160. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that the outer surface 472 of the support ring 470 can include a greater radius than the spring 160. Additionally, the outer surface 472 of the support ring 470 can not be in contact with the inner surface of the spring 160 without compression. This can occur without compression or less than full compression. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that the contact height (CH) of the support ring 470 can include 100% of the outer surface 472 of the support ring 470 during full compression.

[0025] Figure 5is a cross-sectional view of an assembly 100 having a ring seal 150 according to embodiments of the present disclosure and illustrates a contact pressure (CP) profile across the ring seal 150. As shown, the ring seal 150 can include a spring 160 and a support ring 170, 370, 470. As a conventional seal is exposed to decreasing temperatures, the sheath can contract radially inward at a greater rate than the housing 102, shaft 104, and energizing spring. The contraction of the inner seal leg can be limited by the shaft, exerting an increasingly greater contact force on the shaft 104 as the temperature decreases. The spring can not sufficiently limit the contraction, resulting in a radial inward compression of the spring, which can cause the outer seal leg of the sheath to lose contact with the housing 102, resulting in a leak around the conventional seal. Additionally, in conventional seals, as the shaft 104 is rotating or reciprocating, the increasingly greater contact force can cause an increase in friction between the inner seal leg of the sheath and the shaft 104, which can increase the rate of wear of the inner seal leg of the sheath and eventually increase the rate of leakage and / or decrease the time required for a leak to occur. The increasingly greater contact force can also increase the power and / or torque requirements of the shaft 104. Alternatively, a conventional seal can expand when exposed to high temperature cycles and can thermoset when exposed to compression forces. Cooling the seal to room temperature or even lower temperatures can cause a potential loss of contact between the seal and the assembly 100 or a decrease in the contact pressure therebetween. In these cases, the friction on the shaft 104 can also increase as the seal cools down and becomes increasingly clamped onto the shaft 104.

[0026] Embodiments of the seal 150 include a support ring 170, 370, 470. The support ring 170, 370, 470 can bias the outer diameter (OD) of the spring 160 toward the outer seal leg 158 of the sheath 152 to maintain a contact pressure between the outer seal leg 158 of the sheath and the housing 102, thereby reducing, limiting, and / or completely preventing radial compression and / or contraction (or thermal contraction in high temperature cases) of the outer seal leg 158 of the sheath 152. As such, sufficient contact force between the outer seal leg 158 and the housing 102 can be maintained and a lower rate of leakage than conventional seals can be achieved. Additionally, since the spring 160 can no longer be relied upon to resist contraction of the outer seal leg 158, a lower spring force can be employed in the spring 160 than in conventional seals. Thus, in some embodiments, the support ring 170, 370, 470 can be used to reduce the contact force on the shaft 104 and, thus, the wear of the seal 150, reduce the power and / or torque requirements of the shaft 104, and / or improve sealing performance (such as reducing or completely preventing leakage) as compared to conventional seals without the support ring 170, 370, 470.

[0027] In some embodiments, the support ring 170, 370, 470 can be used to maintain sufficient contact pressure (CP) between the outer seal leg 158 of the boot 152 and the outer housing 102 and between the inner seal leg 156 of the boot 152 and the shaft 104. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a difference between the contact pressure (CP) of the seal 150 measured at the outer seal leg 158 of the boot 152 and the inner seal leg 156 of the boot 152 can be no greater than 500 MPa, no greater than 250 MPa, no greater than 100 MPa, no greater than 75 MPa, no greater than 50 MPa, no greater than 45 MPa, no greater than 40 MPa, no greater than 35 MPa, no greater than 30 MPa, no greater than 25 MPa, no greater than 20 MPa, no greater than 15 MPa, no greater than 10 MPa, no greater than 5 MPa, or no greater than 0.5 MPa.

[0028] Further, it should be appreciated that the seal 150 can generally be adapted for use in a variety of applications. Exemplary applications include space applications, such as single- and multi-stage launch vehicles, lunar and interplanetary fuel stations, and lunar and planetary landers. Other exemplary applications include oil and gas applications, such as extraction and processing equipment, cryogenic alternative energy applications, industrial applications, or medical applications.

[0029] Embodiments of the assembly 100 and / or the seal 150 can include one or more of the following:

[0030] Embodiment 1. A seal, comprising: a boot having a base, an inner seal leg, and an outer seal leg; and a spring disposed within the boot, between and in contact with the inner seal leg and the outer seal leg, the spring comprising: an annular support ring annularly disposed within the spring.

[0031] Embodiment 2. An assembly, comprising: a shaft having a shaft axis; a housing comprising a cavity and annularly disposed about the shaft; and a seal disposed within the cavity and configured to provide a radial seal between the shaft and the housing, the seal comprising: a boot having a base, an inner seal leg adjacent to and in contact with the shaft, and an outer seal leg adjacent to and in contact with the housing; and a spring disposed within the boot, between and in contact with the inner seal leg and the outer seal leg, the spring comprising: an annular support ring annularly disposed within the spring.

[0032] Embodiment 3. The seal or assembly of any one of embodiments 1-2, wherein the spring comprises an inner diameter and an outer diameter.

[0033] Embodiment 4. The seal or assembly of embodiment 3, wherein the inner diameter of the spring is disposed adjacent to and in contact with the inner sealing leg of the jacket, and wherein the outer diameter of the spring is disposed adjacent to and in contact with the outer sealing leg of the jacket.

[0034] Embodiment 5. The seal or assembly of any one of embodiments 1-4, wherein the support ring comprises an elliptical, oval, or circular cross-sectional profile.

[0035] Embodiment 6. The seal or assembly of any one of embodiments 1-5, wherein the support ring is solid.

[0036] Embodiment 7. The seal or assembly of any one of embodiments 1-6, wherein the support ring is hollow.

[0037] Embodiment 8. The seal or assembly of any one of embodiments 3-7, wherein the support ring is disposed adjacent to the outer diameter of the spring.

[0038] Embodiment 9. The seal or assembly of any one of embodiments 1-8, wherein the support ring is positioned axially such that a center of the support ring is radially aligned with a center of the spring.

[0039] Embodiment 10. The seal or assembly of any one of embodiments 1-9, wherein the support ring is in contact with the spring.

[0040] Embodiment 11. The seal or assembly of embodiment 10, wherein an outer surface of the support ring is at least partially in contact with an inner surface of the spring.

[0041] Embodiment 12. The seal or assembly of any one of embodiments 1-11, wherein the support ring is separate from the spring.

[0042] Embodiment 13. The seal or assembly of any one of embodiments 1-12, wherein at least a portion of a curvature of the support ring is complementary to a curvature of the outer diameter of the spring.

[0043] Embodiment 14. The seal or assembly of embodiment 13, wherein the support ring is symmetrical.

[0044] Embodiment 15. The seal or assembly of embodiment 13, wherein the support ring is asymmetrical, and wherein an inner diameter of the support ring comprises a convex, concave, or substantially flat shape.

[0045] Embodiment 16. The seal or assembly of any of embodiments 13-15, wherein the support ring comprises a contact height (CH) that is at least 1%, at least 2%, at least 3%, at least 4%, at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, or at least 25% of a total height (H) of the support ring.

[0046] Embodiment 17. The seal or assembly of embodiment 16, wherein the support ring comprises a contact height (CH) that is no greater than 75%, no greater than 70%, no greater than 65%, no greater than 60%, no greater than 55%, no greater than 50%, no greater than 40%, or no greater than 30% of the total height (H) of the support ring.

[0047] Embodiment 18. The seal or assembly of any of embodiments 1-17, wherein the height (H) of the support ring is configured to align the center of the support ring with the center of the spring.

[0048] Embodiment 19. The seal or assembly of embodiment 18, wherein the height (H) of the support ring is at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, or at least 60% of the diameter (D) of the spring.

[0049] Embodiment 20. The seal or assembly of embodiment 19, wherein the height (H) of the support ring is no greater than 95%, no greater than 90%, no greater than 85%, no greater than 80%, or no greater than 75% of the diameter (D) of the spring.

[0050] Embodiment 21. The seal or assembly of any of embodiments 1-20, wherein a width (W) of the support ring is configured to prevent contact between the support ring and the ID of the spring when the spring is compressed radially inward.

[0051] Embodiment 22. The seal or assembly of embodiment 21, wherein the width (W) of the support ring is at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, or at least 50% of the diameter (D) of the spring.

[0052] Embodiment 23. The seal or assembly of embodiment 22, wherein the width (W) of the support ring is no greater than 75%, no greater than 70%, no greater than 65%, no greater than 60%, no greater than 55%, or no greater than 50% of the diameter (D) of the spring.

[0053] Embodiment 24. The seal or assembly of any one of embodiments 1-23, wherein the support ring is configured to bias an outer diameter (OD) of the spring toward the outer sealing leg of the boot to maintain a contact pressure between the outer sealing leg of the boot and the outer housing of the assembly.

[0054] Embodiment 25. The seal or assembly of any one of embodiments 1-24, wherein the support ring is configured to control a thermal contraction or thermal expansion of the spring, the outer sealing leg, or a combination thereof at the outer diameter of the spring to maintain a seal between the outer housing of the assembly and the shaft when the assembly is operated at cryogenic temperatures.

[0055] Embodiment 26. The seal or assembly of any one of embodiments 1-25, wherein the boot is formed from PTFE, a fluoropolymer, a perfluoropolymer, TFM, PVF, PVDF, PCTFE, PFA, FEP, ETFE, ECTFE, PCTFE, a polyaryletherketone such as PEEK, PEK, or PEKK, a polysulfone such as PPS, PPSU, PSU, PPE, or PPO, an aromatic polyamide such as PPA, a thermoplastic polyimide such as PI, PEI, or TPI, or any combination thereof, with or without reinforcing additives or fillers.

[0056] Embodiment 27. The seal or assembly of any one of embodiments 1-26, wherein the spring is formed from a nickel-chromium based alloy such as , a nickel based alloy, a cobalt-chromium-nickel-molybdenum alloy, a beryllium-copper alloy, nickel, titanium, tungsten, stainless steel, spring steel, steel, aluminum, zinc, copper, magnesium, tin, platinum, lead, iron, or bronze.

[0057] Embodiment 28. The seal or assembly of any one of embodiments 1-27, wherein the support ring is formed from a polymeric material.

[0058] Embodiment 29. The seal or assembly of embodiment 28, wherein the polymeric material comprises PTFE, a fluoropolymer, a perfluoropolymer, TFM, PVF, PVDF, PCTFE, PFA, FEP, ETFE, ECTFE, PCTFE, a polyaryletherketone such as PEEK, PEK, or PEKK, a polysulfone such as PPS, PPSU, PSU, PPE, or PPO, an aromatic polyamide such as PPA, a thermoplastic polyimide such as PI, PEI, or TPI, or any combination thereof, with or without reinforcing additives or fillers.

[0059] Embodiment 30. The seal or assembly of any one of embodiments 1-27, wherein the support ring is formed from a metallic material.

[0060] Embodiment 31. The seal or assembly of Embodiment 30, wherein the metallic material comprises a nickel-chromium based alloy (such as Inconel® ), a nickel-based alloy, a cobalt-chromium-nickel-molybdenum alloy, a beryllium-copper alloy, nickel, titanium, tungsten, stainless steel, spring steel, steel, aluminum, zinc, copper, magnesium, tin, platinum, lead, iron, or bronze.

[0061] Embodiment 32. The seal or assembly of any one of Embodiments 1-31, wherein the inner diameter (ID) of the spring is at least 1 mm, at least 2 mm, at least 3 mm, at least 4 mm, at least 5 mm, at least 6 mm, at least 7 mm, at least 8 mm, at least 9 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 25 mm, at least 50 mm, at least 75 mm, at least 100 mm, at least 150 mm, at least 200 mm, at least 250 mm, at least 300 mm, at least 400 mm, at least 500 mm, or even greater.

[0062] Embodiment 33. The seal or assembly of any one of Embodiments 1-32, wherein the outer diameter (OD) of the spring is at least 1 mm, at least 2 mm, at least 3 mm, at least 4 mm, at least 5 mm, at least 6 mm, at least 7 mm, at least 8 mm, at least 9 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 11 mm, at least 12 mm, at least 13 mm, at least 14 mm, at least 15 mm, at least 25 mm, at least 50 mm, at least 75 mm, at least 100 mm, at least 150 mm, at least 200 mm, at least 250 mm, at least 300 mm, at least 500 mm, at least 1000 mm, or even greater.

[0063] Embodiment 34. The seal or assembly of any one of Embodiments 1-33, wherein the difference between the contact pressure of the seal measured at the outer sealing leg of the sheath and the inner sealing leg of the sheath is no greater than 500 MPa, no greater than 250 MPa, no greater than 100 MPa, no greater than 75 MPa, no greater than 50 MPa, no greater than 45 MPa, no greater than 40 MPa, no greater than 35 MPa, no greater than 30 MPa, no greater than 25 MPa, no greater than 20 MPa, no greater than 15 MPa, no greater than 10 MPa, no greater than 5 MPa, or no greater than 0.5 MPa.

[0064] Embodiment 35. The seal or assembly of any one of embodiments 1 to 34, wherein the seal is suitable for use in at least one of space applications including single- or multi-stage launch vehicles, lunar or interplanetary fuel stations, or lunar or planetary landers, and oil and gas applications including extraction or processing equipment, cryogenic alternative energy applications, industrial applications, and medical applications.

[0065] This written description uses examples to disclose embodiments, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the present application. The patentable scope is defined by the claims, and can include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to fall within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements in common with the examples or literal language of the claims, or if they do not differ from the examples in materially ways. Embodiments are disclosed with reference to the drawings and detailed description that follows.

[0066] Note that not all of the activities described above in the general description or the examples are required, that a portion of a specific activity can not be required, and that one or more further activities can be performed in addition to those described. Still further, the order in which activities are listed are not necessarily the order in which activities are performed.

[0067] In the foregoing specification, concepts have been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the application as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present application.

[0068] As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," "has," "having," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is not necessarily limited only to those features but can include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, "or" refers to an inclusive-or and not to an exclusive-or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0069] Additionally, use of the "a" or "an" are employed to describe elements and components described herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the application. This description should be read to include one, or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

[0070] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems and any feature(s) that can cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature of any or all the claims.

[0071] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that certain features that are, for clarity, described above in the context of separate embodiments can also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity, described above in the context of a single embodiment can also be provided separately or in any subcombination. In addition, references to ranges of values are to be construed in-house for each and every value between the upper and lower bounds.

Claims

1. A sealing element, comprising: Sheath, the sheath having a base, an inner sealing leg and an outer sealing leg; and A spring, disposed within the sheath, between and in contact with the inner sealing leg and the outer sealing leg, the spring comprising: An annular support ring is disposed annularly within the spring. The support ring includes: an elliptical cross-sectional profile, an egg-shaped cross-sectional profile, a C-shaped cross-sectional profile, a cross-sectional profile having a convex outer cross-sectional profile and a concave inner cross-sectional profile, a hexagonal cross-sectional profile, or a rhomboid cross-sectional profile. The height H of the support ring is at least 10% and no more than 80% of the diameter D of the spring, and the width W of the support ring is at least 10% and no more than 60% of the diameter D of the spring. The support ring is in contact with the spring.

2. The seal according to claim 1, wherein the support ring is configured to be adjacent to the outer diameter of the spring.

3. The seal according to claim 1, wherein the support ring includes a plurality of contact points with the spring.

4. The seal of claim 1, wherein the support ring comprises a cross-sectional profile having an outwardly projecting outer surface.

5. The seal of claim 1, wherein the support ring comprises a cross-sectional profile having a flat outer surface.

6. The seal of claim 1, wherein the support ring comprises a cross-sectional profile having a concave outer surface.

7. The seal according to claim 1, wherein the support ring comprises a symmetrical cross-sectional profile.

8. The seal of claim 1, wherein the support ring comprises an asymmetrical cross-sectional profile.

9. The seal of claim 1, wherein the height H of the support ring is configured such that the center of the support ring is aligned with the center of the spring.

10. The seal of claim 1, wherein the width W of the support ring is configured to prevent contact between the support ring and the inner diameter of the spring when the spring is compressed radially inward.

11. The seal of claim 1, wherein at least one of the sheath and the support ring is formed of a fluoropolymer, polyaryl ketone, polysulfone, aromatic polyamide, thermoplastic polyimide, or any combination thereof, and has or does not have reinforcing additives or fillers.

12. The seal according to claim 11, wherein the polyaryl ketone is PEEK, PEK, or PEKK.

13. The seal according to claim 11, wherein the polysulfone is PPSU or PSU.

14. The seal of claim 1, wherein at least one of the sheath and the support ring is formed of PPS, PPE, PPO, PPA or any combination thereof, and has or does not have reinforcing additives or fillers.

15. The seal according to claim 1 or 11, wherein at least one of the sheath and the support ring is formed of a perfluoropolymer and has or does not have reinforcing additives or fillers.

16. The seal of claim 1, wherein at least one of the sheath and the support ring is formed of PTFE, TFM, PVF, PVDF, PCTFE, PFA, FEP, ETFE, ECTFE, PCTFE or any combination thereof, and has or does not have reinforcing additives or fillers.

17. The seal according to claim 11, wherein the thermoplastic polyimide is PEI or TPI.

18. The seal according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the spring and the support ring is formed of a nickel-chromium-based alloy, a nickel-based alloy, a cobalt-chromium-nickel-molybdenum alloy, nickel, titanium, tungsten, steel, aluminum, zinc, copper, magnesium, tin, platinum, lead, iron, or bronze.

19. The seal according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the spring and the support ring is made of stainless steel.

20. The seal according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the spring and the support ring is formed of spring steel.

21. The seal of claim 1, wherein when the seal is compressed in the assembly, the difference between the contact pressure of the seal measured at the outer sealing leg of the sheath and the inner sealing leg of the sheath is not greater than 500 MPa.

22. The seal according to claim 1, wherein the annular support ring is solid or hollow.

Images