Corrugated Elastomeric Ring for 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, as conventional clamping methods cause localized stress and potential dislodgment of the diaphragm.
Innovation Solution
A corrugated elastomeric ring or retainer is used to clamp the corrugated diaphragm between the valve body and bonnet, distributing stress across a greater area and reducing localized stress concentrations, with the elastomeric material allowing for increased manufacturing tolerances and conforming to the diaphragm's surface, and optionally supported by a metallic ring to provide structural support.
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 premature failure due to stress concentrations and cyclical loading
Solution Approach 1:
An elastomeric ring is introduced as an intermediary component between the rigid metal diaphragm and the clamping structure. This elastomeric ring absorbs stress concentrations and cyclical loading, protecting the metal diaphragm from premature failure while allowing the regulator to operate in high-temperature environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution combines metal and elastomeric materials in a composite clamping assembly. The metal ring provides structural strength for high-pressure applications, while the elastomeric ring provides stress absorption and flexibility, creating a composite structure that addresses both durability and environmental resistance requirements.
2Strength
If conventional clamping methods are used to secure the diaphragm, then the diaphragm is held in place, but stress concentrations occur at the clamping points leading to premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric ring provides localized stress distribution at the clamping points. Instead of concentrating force at discrete contact points, the elastomeric material distributes the clamping force across a larger area of the diaphragm, reducing stress concentrations while maintaining adequate holding strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution changes the physical parameters of the clamping interface by introducing an elastomeric material with different mechanical properties than rigid metal clamps. The elastomeric ring deforms under compression, increasing contact area and distributing stress, thereby reducing peak stress values at clamping points.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid clamping structure is used to secure the diaphragm, then the assembly is stable, but manufacturing tolerances are difficult to accommodate and assembly is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric ring changes the mechanical parameters of the clamping assembly from rigid to flexible. This flexibility allows the elastomeric ring to accommodate variations in manufacturing tolerances of the metal diaphragm and housing components while maintaining stable assembly through elastic deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric ring functions as a flexible element that can deform to accommodate dimensional variations in the assembled components. This flexibility simplifies manufacturing requirements compared to rigid clamping structures that would require tight tolerances to ensure proper assembly and function.
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 preventing dislodgment, thereby extending the life cycle and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
distributing stress across a greater area and reducing localized stress concentrations
Implementation Method 2
the elastomeric material allowing for increased manufacturing tolerances and conforming to the diaphragm's surface
Implementation Method 3
Some metal diaphragms include convolutions or wave-shaped contours to increase a sensitivity of the diaphragm
Implementation Method 4
clamp the diaphragm between the valve body and the bonnet
Data Source
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. The example apparatus includes a metallic ring positioned between the valve body and the bonnet to contact the elastomeric ring to support the elastomeric ring.