Annular Seal with Radial Tabs for Misalignment Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional seals, such as axial c-ring seals and lip seals, face challenges with deformation, misalignment, and leakage due to thermal, mechanical, and vibrational forces, leading to wear and failure in tubular members and seals, requiring complex and costly repairs.
Innovation Solution
An annular seal design with a specific cross-section and radially-oriented tabs that provides resilience and secure attachment to neighboring components, reducing misalignment and enhancing sealing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional axial c-ring seals are used, then the seal assembly can be installed between tubular members, but thermal and mechanical forces cause deformation and misalignment leading to leakage and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The seal cross-section is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to adapt to misalignment and deformation. The asymmetric cross-section with the tab can rotate and shift position to accommodate thermal expansion and mechanical movement, maintaining sealing contact with both tubular members despite relative displacement during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal design changes its effective sealing parameters through the tab's movement. As the tab rotates or shifts in response to thermal and mechanical forces, it alters the contact pressure distribution and sealing interface geometry, allowing the seal to maintain effectiveness under varying operating conditions rather than degrading.
2Reliability
If traditional lip seals are used, then the seal can fit between concentric tubular members, but relative displacement causes wear and eventual failure requiring costly repairs
Solution Approach 1:
The seal design is self-aligning through the tab mechanism that automatically compensates for misalignment. The tab's ability to rotate and shift creates a self-correcting system that reduces wear by maintaining optimal contact geometry, eliminating the need for external adjustment mechanisms or complex repair procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The asymmetric cross-section design with the tab provides built-in compensation for anticipated thermal expansion and mechanical movement. The tab's movement range is designed to accommodate expected displacement, cushioning the seal against damaging forces before they can cause wear or failure, thereby extending service life and reducing repair needs.
3Reliability
If interference fits are used to generate sealing interface, then the seal can prevent fluid leakage, but thermal forces cause misalignment and displacement between seal and tubular members
Solution Approach 1:
The seal transitions from a static interference fit to a dynamic sealing system. The tab can rotate and shift to maintain sealing contact even when thermal forces cause misalignment, allowing the interference fit to remain effective despite changes in relative position between the seal and tubular members during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The asymmetric cross-section with the offset tab creates different contact characteristics on each side of the seal. This asymmetry allows the seal to accommodate misalignment by distributing contact pressures differently, maintaining fluid sealing even when perfect alignment is not achieved due to thermal expansion or installation tolerances.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein are generally directed to an annular seal including: an annular body defining a cross-section down a central axis, the annular body including: a first linear section oriented down a first plane; a first portion contiguous with the first end of the first linear section, the first portion being curved with respect to the first linear section and in accordance with a first predetermined radius, the first portion extending to a first distal end; a second portion contiguous with the second end of the first linear section, the second portion including: a second linear section oriented down a second plane non-parallel to the first plane; and at least one discrete, radially-oriented tab contiguous with the second linear section and oriented along a circumference of the annular body.