Curvilinear Compression Seal Bracket for Generator Cooler
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional L-shaped compression seal brackets for generator coolers face challenges in achieving uniform sealing due to non-uniform sealing forces and over-tightening, which leads to bending and non-uniform compression, resulting in potential gas leakage.
Innovation Solution
A compression seal bracket system with a unitary body featuring a first portion at an angle to a second portion and an integral curvilinear portion, including a seal ring engaging member and a shim member with predetermined thickness, ensures uniform compression and prevents over-tightening by allowing precise fastening through corresponding fastener openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional L-shaped compression seal brackets are used, then the sealing function is provided, but non-uniform sealing force is generated causing gas leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket incorporates a curvilinear portion that conforms to the curved geometry of the seal seat, replacing the conventional straight L-shape. This curved design allows the bracket to distribute compression force uniformly across the seal surface, eliminating the non-uniform sealing force that causes gas leakage while maintaining effective sealing.
2Force
If fasteners are over-tightened to ensure sealing, then sealing force is increased, but bracket bending occurs causing non-uniform compression
Solution Approach 1:
The curvilinear geometry of the bracket changes the mechanical parameters of force distribution. The curved shape naturally distributes the compression load along its arc, reducing stress concentration points that occur with straight brackets. This allows adequate sealing force to be achieved without over-tightening fasteners, preventing bracket bending and maintaining structural integrity.
3Ease of manufacture
If straight L-shaped brackets are used, then manufacturing is simple, but corners of opening have non-uniform sealing force
Solution Approach 1:
The curvilinear portion is designed to match the standard curved geometry of generator cooler seal seats, which are commonly manufactured with rounded corners. This allows the bracket to be fabricated using standard curved section processes while achieving uniform sealing force distribution at the corners and along the entire seal interface, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and sealing precision.
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 system provides uniform compression and prevents gas leakage by ensuring accurate sealing engagement, covering the entire seal area and eliminating the risk of bracket bending, thus maintaining effective sealing across the generator cooler's thermally moveable end.
Implementation Method 1
a seal ring configured to compress a seal to the seal seat for sealing engagement with the thermally moveable end
Implementation Method 2
One of the rectangular ends of the generator cooler thermally expands and contracts in a free floating fashion within the opening
Data Source
AI summary
A compression seal bracket for sealing a thermally moveable end of a generator cooler is disclosed. The bracket may include a unitary body including a first portion at an angle to a second portion with an integral curvilinear portion therebetween. Each portion may have: a seal ring engaging member for engaging the seal ring to compress the seal against the seal seat, a shim member configured to be coupled to the seal seat between the seal ring engaging member and the seal seat, the shim member having a predetermined thickness. The seal ring engaging member and the shim member may include a plurality of corresponding fastener openings, each opening for receiving a fastener for coupling to the seal seat. A related bracket system is also disclosed.