Circular Seal Rectangular Groove Hydraulic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical coupling assemblies, particularly hydraulic ones, face challenges in adapting to surface irregularities of coupled components and are complex and costly to manufacture, assemble, and maintain, failing to provide effective seals under both static and dynamic fluid conditions.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical coupling assembly featuring a circular elastic seal with a rectangular groove, where the groove's depth is less than the seal's diameter, allowing for compensation of surface irregularities and simplified assembly, using fluoroelastomer seals with a hardness of at least 50 shore A, ensuring effective sealing of hydraulic components under various conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior art mechanical coupling assemblies are used, then sealing is provided, but they do not easily adapt to surface irregularities of opposing walls and are complex and costly to manufacture and assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the seal groove from conventional designs to a specific configuration: a rectangular groove with width w equal to the seal diameter and depth p less than the diameter (p < w). This parameter optimization allows the seal to effectively compensate for surface irregularities while simplifying the overall assembly structure and reducing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a circular cross-section seal (O-ring or similar) with diameter w that fits into a rectangular groove. The circular geometry of the seal provides inherent adaptability to surface irregularities through its ability to deform and conform to non-perfectly-flat surfaces, while the rectangular groove provides precise positioning
2Reliability
If prior art seal solutions are used, then sealing is provided, but manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The optimized groove dimensions (width w equal to seal diameter, depth p less than diameter) simplify manufacturing processes by reducing precision requirements compared to conventional deep or narrow grooves. The rectangular cross-section is easier to machine than complex curved profiles, and the simple geometry reduces assembly difficulty
Solution Approach 2:
The invention separates the sealing function from the structural coupling function, with the elastic seal being a distinct component inserted into a simple rectangular groove. This segmentation allows the seal to be independently replaced for maintenance without affecting the structural components, reducing overall maintenance costs
3Reliability
If conventional seal designs are used, then sealing is provided, but they are difficult to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The circular cross-section of the elastic seal allows for easy insertion into the rectangular groove from the end, leveraging the seal's flexibility to navigate the groove entrance. The circular shape also ensures uniform distribution of sealing pressure around the entire perimeter
Solution Approach 2:
The groove depth p being less than the seal diameter w allows the seal to protrude slightly or sit flush with the groove opening, facilitating easy installation by simply pushing the seal into the groove without requiring deep insertion or complex positioning mechanisms
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 solution provides a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective seal for hydraulic components, accommodating surface irregularities and maintaining high sealing performance under static and moving fluid conditions, with improved tolerance and reduced manufacturing, assembly, and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elastic seal being inserted into at least one corresponding seal groove... said at least one elastic seal has circular cross- section having diameter w and said at least one corresponding seal groove has rectangular cross-section
Data Source
AI summary
Mechanical coupling assembly comprising a first component (100; 200; 300; 400) having a first wall, and a second component (200; 300; 400; 500) having a second wall, wherein the first wall of the first component (100; 200; 300; 400) is coupled to the second wall of the second component (200; 300; 400; 500), at least one elastic seal (810) being inserted into at least one corresponding seal groove (800), with which one from the first wall of the first component (100; 200; 300; 400) and the second wall of the second component (200; 300; 400; 500) is provided, whereby said at least one elastic seal (810) seals the coupling of the first wall of the first component (100; 200; 300; 400) with the second wall of the second component (200; 300; 400; 500), the mechanical coupling assembly being characterised in that said at least one elastic seal (810) has circular cross-section having diameter w and said at least one corresponding seal groove (800) has rectangular cross-section, with width w equal to the diameter w and depth p lower than the diameter w.