Annular Groove Assembly for Secure O-Ring Face Seal Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing O-ring face seal connections in fluid conveying systems face challenges in retaining O-rings within annular grooves, leading to potential leaks and misalignment issues, which can be costly and difficult to detect until the system is tested under pressure.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an annular groove with an inner ramp wall at an acute angle of about 64° to 68°, which stretches and secures the O-ring, ensuring it is retained within the groove and providing a consistent seal across various O-ring sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rectangular cross-section annular groove is used, then the O-ring can be easily placed in the groove, but the O-ring cannot be retained and may pop out or disengage
Solution Approach 1:
The annular groove is segmented into multiple functional zones: a first portion with a first cross-sectional shape for easy O-ring placement, and a second portion with a different cross-sectional shape for O-ring retention. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove cross-sectional shape changes along its length (from first portion to second portion), utilizing the longitudinal dimension to create different retention characteristics. The transition from a more open cross-section to a constrained cross-section provides both ease of placement and secure retention.
2Reliability
If an angled lip groove per SAE J1453-1 standard is used, then O-ring retention is improved, but the O-ring may still fall out or become misaligned
Solution Approach 1:
The groove is divided into a first portion that facilitates easy O-ring placement and a second portion that provides retention, allowing the O-ring to be placed without difficulty and then securely retained without misalignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-sectional dimensions and shape of the groove are varied along its length. The first portion has dimensions optimized for placement, while the second portion has dimensions optimized for retention, creating a gradient that guides the O-ring into proper alignment and secure positioning.
3Reliability
If polygonal cross-section O-rings are used, then superior retention functionality is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the O-ring cross-section to achieve retention (polygonal shape), the invention inverts the approach by modifying the groove cross-section to match and retain the simple circular O-ring. This maintains manufacturing simplicity while achieving superior retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove cross-sectional parameters (shape, dimensions) are changed along its length to provide optimal retention for standard circular O-rings, eliminating the need for complex polygonal O-ring cross-sections while maintaining superior retention functionality.
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
This configuration effectively retains O-rings with substantial force, reducing the likelihood of O-ring dislodgment and ensuring a reliable seal, even with standard O-rings, without the need for complex polygonal O-ring cross-sections.
Implementation Method 1
The O-ring can be disposed in the annular groove and under tension due to being stretched over the inner ramp wall. The O-ring can exert a force radially inward toward the longitudinal axis along the ramp wall to thereby improve retention of the O-ring in the annular groove.
Data Source
AI summary
A fitting that provides a sealed connection can include a face seal surface defining an annular groove having an outer wall that extends inward from the face seal surface, a floor and an inner ramp wall that extends away from the floor toward the face seal surface. The inner ramp wall can be disposed at an acute angle relative to the floor. In some applications, this angle can be about 64° to about 68°. An O-ring can be disposed in the annular groove and under tension due to being stretched over the inner ramp wall. The O-ring can exert a force radially inward toward the longitudinal axis along the inner ramp wall to thereby improve retention of the O-ring in the annular groove.