Cooled Manifold Seal Assembly for High-Temperature Propulsion Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elastomeric, polymeric, and composite duct seals in propulsion system manifolds degrade beyond certain temperature thresholds, leading to leakage, displacement, wear, and potential system failure due to volumetric change, compression set, and shrinkage.
Innovation Solution
A seal assembly with a coupling member, one or more seals, and a retainer that defines a radial and axial wall, forming a cooling circuit to mitigate heat transfer and extend the operational temperature range of elastomeric, polymeric, and composite seals, using materials like metallic foil-encased thermal insulation and fiber-reinforced rubber for thermal attenuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If elastomeric, polymeric, and composite duct seals are used in propulsion system manifolds, then flexibility and movement accommodation are improved, but temperature resistance deteriorates beyond certain thresholds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cooling fluid as an intermediary substance that flows through passages in the seal assembly. This cooling fluid acts as a mediator between the hot manifold environment and the elastomeric seal, absorbing excess heat and maintaining the seal within its operational temperature range, thereby preserving both flexibility and temperature resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal parameter of the seal assembly by introducing active cooling. The cooling fluid flow rate and temperature are controlled to maintain the seal temperature below its degradation threshold, allowing the elastomeric material to retain its flexibility properties even in high-temperature propulsion system environments
2Adaptability or versatility
If elastomeric, polymeric, and composite seals are used to accommodate thermal expansion, then joint flexibility is improved, but service life deteriorates due to degradation at high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling fluid serves as an intermediary that protects the seal from thermal degradation. By continuously removing heat through the cooling passages, the fluid prevents the elastomeric material from reaching temperatures that cause degradation, compression set, and shrinkage, thereby extending the service life while maintaining joint flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by pre-cooling the seal assembly through internal cooling passages before the seal material degrades. The cooling system is designed to anticipate and prevent thermal degradation by maintaining the seal temperature within safe operating limits throughout its service life
3Temperature
If cooling passages are added to the seal assembly, then temperature resistance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling function with the seal structure by integrating cooling passages directly into the seal assembly housing. This consolidation combines the sealing component and cooling system into a single integrated unit, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective temperature control and resistance
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 prolongs the life of the seal assembly, reduces wear and leakage, and improves engine efficiency by maintaining seal integrity beyond increased temperature thresholds, enhancing the time-on-wing of propulsion systems.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling circuit to mitigate heat transfer to the seal
Implementation Method 2
a cooling circuit to mitigate heat transfer to the seal
Implementation Method 3
using materials like metallic foil-encased thermal insulation and fiber-reinforced rubber for thermal attenuation
Data Source
AI summary
A seal assembly for a propulsion system couples a plurality of manifolds of a manifold assembly of the propulsion system generally in fluid communication. Each of the manifolds defines a first end and a second end. The seal assembly includes a coupling member attaching the first end and the second end of the manifold assembly together in fluid communication; one or more seals disposed between the coupling member and at least one of the first end and the second end of the manifold; and a retainer adjacent to the coupling member and the seal. The retainer defines a radial wall and an axial wall, in which the radial wall is extended generally from one or more of the first end and the second end of the manifold alongside the coupling member and the seal, and the axial wall is extended generally from the radial wall alongside the coupling member and the seal.