High-Pressure Connector Assembly Sealing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current closure assemblies for pressure vessels and pipes are complex, difficult to operate, and often fail to provide safe and reliable high-pressure sealing, especially in the petroleum industry, where they are prone to catastrophic failures and require sophisticated machinery for assembly.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly with a housing and plug design featuring internal and external threads, sealing surfaces, and safety features like pressure relief ports and vent grooves, allowing for easy assembly, secure sealing, and safe operation under high pressures, using materials like carbon steel to withstand harsh conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded closure assemblies are used for high-pressure sealing, then seal reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple sealing surfaces and components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sealing functions into a unified threaded connection system. The hub and plug integrate sealing surfaces, pressure relief ports, and vent grooves into a single cohesive assembly, eliminating the need for separate sealing components while maintaining high-pressure reliability through the integrated design
2Reliability
If complex closure assemblies with multiple components are used, then sealing capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult assembly and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The closure assembly is segmented into two main components: a hub with internal threads and sealing surfaces, and a plug with external threads and corresponding sealing features. This segmentation allows for simplified assembly through straightforward threading while maintaining complex sealing capabilities through the distributed sealing surfaces and pressure relief mechanisms in each component
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional closure assemblies are used, then manufacturing capability is sufficient, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to difficulty in complying with international design codes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies precise geometric parameters for the sealing surfaces, including the 45-degree included angle for the V-shaped sealing surfaces and the 15-degree included angle for the pressure relief ports. These standardized parameter changes ensure compliance with international design codes while maintaining ease of manufacture through consistent dimensional specifications
4Reliability
If safety features like pressure relief ports are added, then operational safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief ports and vent grooves are merged directly into the hub and plug structures. The pressure relief ports are formed as integral features of the threaded connection geometry, eliminating the need for separate safety valve components while providing automated pressure relief functionality through the geometric design of the connection itself
Data Source
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AI summary
Connector assembly and methods usable to block fluid flow therethrough. The connector comprises a female hub having an axial bore, internal threads, and an internal shoulder. The hub is adapted to connect to a fluid container, valve, or conduit and to receive a male connector adapted to block fluid flow through the connector assembly. The male connector comprises external threads and a face comprising a front seal adapted to engage the shoulder. The face comprises a ring-shaped surface adapted to contact the shoulder and form a fluid seal. The face comprises an outer seal that is positioned outwards from the ring-shaped surface and adapted to engage a circumferential surface of the hub. Embodiments of the current invention relate to fluid connectors and methods usable to form a sealed fluid connection between a female connector and a male connector, wherein the male connector comprises an axial bore extending therethrough.