Connector Seal Ring Geometry for Clamp-Free Pipe Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing devices for annular gaps between pipes in air duct systems often require complex fastening methods, such as clamping, crimping, or gluing, which can be cumbersome and prone to leakage, especially during assembly, storage, and replacement.
Innovation Solution
A sealing device featuring a ring with a stronger material and larger cross-sectional area than the sealing lip, having a concave inner diameter to fit tightly around the inner tube, eliminating the need for clamps, flanges, or adhesives, and ensuring a stable, frictional fit that prevents displacement and tilting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the ring is made of a stronger material and larger cross-sectional area than the sealing lip, then the stability of the ring on the inner tube is improved, but the complexity of the sealing device structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is designed with non-uniform cross-sectional area, being larger at the inner diameter than at the outer diameter. This local variation in geometry provides enhanced stability and frictional engagement with the inner tube without requiring a uniformly complex structure throughout the entire ring.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner diameter of the ring is formed with a concave curvature that matches the convex curvature of the outer surface of the inner tube. This curved interface creates a stable, self-centering fit that improves ring stability without requiring additional fastening components or complex structural features.
2Reliability
If the ring forms a tight fit cuff around the inner tube, then the reliability of the sealing connection is improved, but the ease of installation and replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is made of an elastomeric material that provides elastic deformability. This allows the ring to be temporarily compressed or distorted during installation to fit over the inner tube, then automatically rebound to form a tight, reliable seal. The same elasticity enables easy removal by applying sufficient force to overcome the frictional engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The material properties of the ring are selected to provide optimal balance between elasticity and friction. The elastomeric material allows for parameter changes in the form of elastic deformation during installation and removal, while maintaining sufficient frictional engagement for reliable sealing during operation.
3Reliability
If the sealing lip is made softer for better sealing, then the sealing performance is improved, but the strength to resist displacement during assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing device employs different material properties at different locations: the ring is made of a stronger, more rigid material to provide structural support and resistance to displacement, while the sealing lip is made of a softer, more compliant material to provide effective sealing contact with the outer tube.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing device uses composite construction with the ring and sealing lip made from different materials optimized for their specific functions. The ring material provides mechanical strength and structural integrity, while the sealing lip material provides compliance and sealing effectiveness.
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 simplified, stable, and secure sealing mechanism that reduces leakage to one-fifth of the highest tightness class D limit, allowing for easy installation and replacement, and minimizes handling effort, while maintaining a tight seal across various pressure ranges.
Implementation Method 1
The force generated by the clamping of the ring on the inner tube, possibly supplemented as indicated below, which the Holding the ring against displacement is greater than the force required to deflect the sealing lip(s) and overcome the frictional force created by the sealing lip(s) abutting the outer tube
Implementation Method 2
The inner radius of the ring is so much smaller than the outer radius of the inner tube at the point where the ring seats on the inner tube that the ring forms a cuff enclosing the inner tube with a tight fit, the inner tube facing side of the ring is concave
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~9
AI summary
The device has an elastic ring (1) provided at an inner pipe, and comprising sealing lips (2) at outer side, where the sealing lips are arranged at a distance from edges of the ring. The ring has a larger cross-section than that of the sealing lips, where inner radius of the ring is smaller than outer radius of the inner pipe. The ring has a sleeve encompassing the pipe with a fixed seat, where the ring and the sealing lips are made of rubber e.g. ethylene propylene diene M-class rubber, through an injection molding.