Air-Oil Separator Threaded Coupling for O-Ring-Free Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air/oil separator devices face difficulties in mounting due to additional friction from O-rings, which can lead to seal wear, re-entrainment of separated oil, and increased tightening torque, and require careful handling and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A separating device with a housing cover thread and coupling element thread that are seal-tightly connected without an O-ring, featuring a continuous, uninterrupted thread for reliable sealing, and additional labyrinth sealing elements to prevent liquid drainage and enhance sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an O-ring is used for sealing between the housing cover and coupling element, then sealing reliability is improved, but mounting difficulty and friction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the O-ring sealing element from the system entirely. Instead of using an O-ring between the housing cover and coupling element, the patent employs a labyrinth sealing structure formed by the thread engagement itself, which prevents oil drainage without requiring additional sealing components that increase friction and mounting difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The thread engagement between the housing cover and coupling element serves as an intermediary sealing mechanism. The continuous thread structure creates a labyrinth path that mediates the sealing function, replacing the direct contact sealing of an O-ring while reducing friction and easing mounting operations.
2Reliability
If an O-ring is used for sealing, then sealing is achieved, but seal wear and maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By eliminating the O-ring, the invention removes the component subject to wear and requiring maintenance. The labyrinth sealing formed by the thread engagement is a structural feature rather than a separate consumable part, thereby reducing maintenance needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The thread structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical fastening and sealing. The sealing function is self-generated through the geometry of the thread engagement without requiring separate sealing elements that would need replacement or maintenance.
3Reliability
If an O-ring is used for sealing, then sealing is provided, but tightening torque increases
Solution Approach 1:
Removing the O-ring eliminates the additional friction it introduces during tightening. The labyrinth sealing through thread engagement requires less compressive force to achieve effective sealing compared to the high compression needed for an O-ring, thereby reducing tightening torque.
4Reliability
If a continuous uninterrupted thread is used for sealing, then sealing reliability is improved, but thread complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous thread serves dual functions: mechanical fastening and sealing. By making the thread uninterrupted and continuous, it simultaneously provides both structural attachment and sealing action, eliminating the need for separate sealing elements and actually simplifying the overall device structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A separating device for separating a liquid from gas is provided with a separating element that has a housing with housing cover closing off an end face of the housing. A filter element is arranged in the housing. A coupling element is provided to couple the separating element to a connector device. The housing cover has a central first gas passage and a second gas passage arranged radially outwardly of the first gas passage. The housing cover has a housing cover thread correlated with the first gas passage. The housing cover thread is to be screwed to a coupling element thread of the coupling element. A fluid discharge channel is arranged within the coupling element for discharging separated liquid from the separating device. The housing cover thread and the coupling element thread, in a position of use of the separating device, are connected substantially seal-tightly to each other.