Corrugated Elastomeric Ring Diaphragm Stress Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-pressure and high-temperature applications in fluid regulators often lead to premature failure of metal diaphragms due to stress concentrations and cyclical loading, which reduces the life cycle and increases maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A corrugated elastomeric ring is used to clamp the corrugated diaphragm between the valve body and bonnet, distributing stress across a larger area and reducing localized stress concentrations, while a metallic ring provides structural support to the elastomeric retainer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a metal diaphragm is used for high-pressure and high-temperature applications, then the regulator can handle harsh conditions, but the diaphragm experiences stress concentrations and cyclical loading that reduce its life cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure combining a metal diaphragm with an elastomeric ring. The metal diaphragm handles high-pressure and high-temperature conditions while the elastomeric ring absorbs stress concentrations and cyclical loading, extending the overall life cycle of the assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric ring acts as an intermediary between the metal diaphragm and the clamping mechanism. It distributes clamping forces evenly across the diaphragm's corrugated profile, preventing stress concentrations at clamp points while allowing the metal diaphragm to function in harsh environments
2Measurement precision
If a corrugated metal diaphragm is used to increase sensitivity, then the regulator response improves, but stress concentrations occur at the corrugations under clamping loads
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric ring provides localized stress distribution at the clamping points where the corrugated diaphragm is most vulnerable. The ring's material properties are specifically suited for absorbing localized stresses while maintaining the corrugated profile's sensitivity characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric ring changes the mechanical parameters at the clamping interface by providing a compliant, stress-distributing contact surface. This allows the rigid metal corrugations to maintain their sensitivity while the elastomeric material absorbs the mechanical stresses that would otherwise concentrate at the clamp points
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 significantly improves the cycle or fatigue life of the corrugated diaphragm by reducing stress concentrations and allowing for increased manufacturing tolerances, thereby extending the life cycle and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
distributing stress across a larger area and reducing localized stress concentrations
Implementation Method 2
An elastomeric ring having a corrugated profile that corresponds to a corrugated profile of a diaphragm
Implementation Method 3
A metallic ring positioned between the valve body and the bonnet engages the elastomeric ring to support the elastomeric ring
Implementation Method 4
an elastomeric ring having a corrugated profile that corresponds to a corrugated profile of a diaphragm of the fluid regulator
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus to interface with a corrugated profile are disclosed. An example apparatus for use with a fluid regulator includes an elastomeric ring having a corrugated profile that corresponds to a corrugated profile of a diaphragm of the fluid regulator. The elastomeric ring is to be positioned between a valve body and a bonnet of the fluid regulator to clamp the diaphragm between the valve body and the bonnet. A metallic ring positioned between the valve body and the bonnet engages the elastomeric ring to support the elastomeric ring.