Annular Key Seal Linear Spring Characteristics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bi-directional seal assemblies face challenges in maintaining effective sealing under high pressures and varying directional pressures, with standard O-rings exhibiting non-linear spring characteristics that are inadequate for maintaining strong metal-to-metal seals across a wide range of pressures.
Innovation Solution
An annular key seal with a unique cross-sectional design, comprising a first circular seal portion and two rounded seal portions, creates inner and outer shoulders with back-up rings to enhance axial compression and provide more linear spring characteristics, allowing for better sealing performance across a wider range of pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard O-rings are used in bi-directional seal assemblies, then the seal assembly can function under pressure, but the O-rings exhibit non-linear spring characteristics that are inadequate for maintaining strong metal-to-metal seals across a wide range of pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the seal cross-section, transitioning from a standard circular O-ring to a key seal with a specific non-circular cross-sectional shape. This shape modification changes the elastic deformation characteristics under axial load, producing more linear spring behavior that maintains consistent sealing force across varying pressure conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The key seal incorporates localized structural features including rounded shoulders and integrated back-up ring portions at specific locations on the cross-section. These localized modifications concentrate stress in beneficial ways to enhance sealing contact pressure at critical interfaces while maintaining overall structural integrity under bidirectional loading.
2Strength
If O-rings are deformed radially outward under supply pressure, then metal-to-metal seal is created, but the non-linear spring characteristics cause inadequate seal maintenance under varying pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-sectional geometry parameters of the seal are specifically designed with rounded corners and controlled radius transitions. This geometric parameter optimization ensures that when the seal is compressed axially between seal cups, the material deforms in a controlled manner that generates linear spring characteristics, improving predictability of sealing force under varying pressure conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The key seal cross-section incorporates multiple rounded features including the main body contour and shoulder radii. These curved geometries distribute stress more evenly during deformation compared to sharp corners, contributing to more linear elastic behavior and consistent sealing performance across the operating pressure range.
3Reliability
If bi-directional seal assembly is used to function under pressure from two directions, then sealing is achieved, but standard seal designs struggle to maintain effective sealing under high pressures exceeding 20,000 psi
Solution Approach 1:
The key seal cross-section is segmented into distinct functional zones including the main sealing body, rounded shoulders, and integrated back-up ring portions. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function: the main body provides sealing contact, the shoulders distribute stress, and the back-up portions prevent extrusion under high bidirectional pressures exceeding 20,000 psi.
Solution Approach 2:
The key seal design integrates multiple material functions within a single monolithic component. The seal material combines the sealing properties of elastomeric materials with the structural support characteristics of rigid materials, eliminating the need for separate O-rings and back-up rings while maintaining reliability under extreme bidirectional pressure conditions.
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 annular key seal demonstrates improved linear spring characteristics and enhanced sealing efficacy, effectively maintaining metal-to-metal seals under both supply and function pressures, even at high operational pressures and temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
the key seal demonstrates improved linear spring characteristics and enhanced sealing efficacy
Implementation Method 2
creates inner and outer shoulders with back-up rings to enhance axial compression
Data Source
AI summary
A key seal preferably includes a first circular seal portion, a second rounded seal portion and a third rounded seal portion. The first circular seal portion preferably has generally circular cross-section. The second rounded seal portion preferably has a bottom side which is connected to the first seal portion, and has a cross-section which is smaller than that of the first circular seal portion. The third rounded seal portion preferably has a top side which is connected to the first seal portion, and has a cross-section which is smaller than that of the first circular seal portion. The first, second and third seal portions may be integrally formed. They key seal may be installed in a hydroseal assembly around the pin section of a hydroseal, and between a seal and a block section of the hydroseal.