Composite Seal for Rapid Fluid-Transfer Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rapid fluid-transfer couplings in the automobile and industrial fields face issues with single-material elastomeric seals that degrade over time, leading to leaks and require high mounting forces, while composite seals with radial compression springs are unsuitable for static applications due to long-term sealing defects.
Innovation Solution
A composite annular seal with a flexible elastomeric body and metal reinforcement, featuring a convex and rounded innermost portion for improved sealing, a radially pre-stressed inner wing, and an elastomeric sealing lip that extends obliquely to enhance sealing performance, reducing reliance on elastomer aging and operator force during assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-material elastomeric seal is used, then the sealing function is provided, but the seal loses properties over time due to aging and requires high mounting force
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is constructed as a composite structure with an elastomeric body and a rigid reinforcement element (metal or rigid plastic) embedded within it. The reinforcement provides structural stability and maintains pre-stress over time without degrading like pure elastomer, while the elastomeric material provides the necessary flexibility and sealing contact. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by combining materials with complementary properties to achieve both durability and reduced mounting force.
2Force
If a radial compression spring is added to the seal, then pre-stress is provided, but the seal becomes unsuitable for static applications due to long-term sealing defects
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state and properties of the reinforcement element by selecting materials with appropriate elastic moduli and creep resistance. The rigid reinforcement maintains a stable pre-stress force over time without the oscillating or degrading behavior of spring elements. By carefully selecting the reinforcement material properties (higher rigidity, lower creep), the seal achieves consistent pre-stress suitable for static applications while maintaining sealing reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the seal is designed for dynamic application with a sealing edge, then it works for rotary coupling, but it causes sealing defects and seepage in static applications
Solution Approach 1:
The seal design incorporates different local geometries and material properties in different regions. The reinforcement element is strategically positioned and shaped to provide localized support where needed for static sealing, while the elastomeric portions maintain flexibility for sealing contact. The inner wing and outer wing have different configurations optimized for their specific sealing functions in static applications, resolving the contradiction between versatility and sealing reliability.
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 composite seal significantly reduces seepage and mounting force, maintaining effective sealing over time and absorbing centering flaws, while the metal reinforcement provides consistent pre-stress and additional tightness, ensuring reliable fluid transfer in globally static couplings.
Implementation Method 1
a radially pre-stressed inner wing
Implementation Method 2
said innermost peripheral portion is convex, with a rounded shape in axial section
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a composite annular seal (30) having a flexible body and rigid reinforcement (35) for a rapid fluid-transfer coupling (1), and to a rapid coupling of this type incorporating the seal. The seal (30) with a reinforcement (35) can be used for a coupling comprising a female tubular sleeve (10) and a male tubular endpiece (20) mounted inside the sleeve in order to produce overall static sealing between a recess (13) in the sleeve (10) and the endpiece (20), the seal comprising: an inner axial wing (31) having a radially inner face (31a) which has a radially innermost flexible peripheral portion (31aa) designed to be applied tightly against the endpiece; an outer axial wing (36) having a flexible radially outer face (36a) which is designed to be placed firmly against the recess; and a core (33) connecting the inner wing to the outer wing. According to the invention, the innermost peripheral portion (31aa) is convex, with a rounded shape in axial section.