Deformable Annular Surface Sealing for Fluid Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing working fluid feeding devices experience seal integrity issues, particularly after the screwed connection has been released multiple times, leading to unintended fluid loss.
Innovation Solution
A working fluid feeding device design where the fluid channel in the second section is deformable by pressure from the screw element on the annular surface, creating a sealing effect without additional components, using the contact pressure to apply tension and induce reversible or irreversible deformation for consistent sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screw element is used to seal the fluid channel, then the sealing effect is improved, but the seal integrity deteriorates after repeated screwing and unscrewing
Solution Approach 1:
The annular surface is pre-formed with a geometry that allows it to deform elastically when the screw element is inserted. This preliminary configuration enables the surface to automatically compensate for dimensional variations and maintain continuous contact with the screw element's sealing surface, ensuring reliable sealing even after multiple assembly-disassembly cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes elastic deformation of the annular surface material to change its physical state temporarily during assembly. The material deforms elastically under the screw element's pressure, creating a conformal seal, and returns to its original state when the screw is removed, maintaining sealing capability for subsequent assemblies
2Reliability
If additional sealing components are added to improve seal integrity, then the sealing effect is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The annular surface itself performs the sealing function without requiring separate sealing components. The surface's elastic deformation capability allows it to self-adjust and maintain contact with the screw element, making the sealing system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for additional seals or gaskets
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is merged into the structural annular surface of the fluid channel rather than being a separate component. This integration eliminates the need for additional sealing parts while maintaining effective sealing, simplifying the overall device structure
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
Ensures a reliable seal even after repeated screwing and unscrewing, accommodating manufacturing tolerances and maintaining seal integrity without changing the geometry of the annular and sealing surfaces, allowing for efficient fluid containment.
Implementation Method 1
a compensation motion of the material in the region of the fluid channel on which the end face is configured. As a result of this compensation motion, which is initially elastic, i.e., reversible
Implementation Method 2
when the contact pressure is greater, can transition into a non-reversible plastic flow
Data Source
AI summary
A device (30) for feeding working fluid to an assembly (14) requiring working fluid includes at least one fluid channel (20, 20a-20d) extending from a surface (16a) and at least one screw element (22, 24) capable of being screwed from the surface (16a) into the at least one fluid channel (20, 20a-20d) for feeding working fluid into the fluid channel (20, 20a-20d) or for closing the fluid channel (20, 20a-20d), the at least one fluid channel (20, 20a-20d) having a first section (32) directly adjacent to the surface (16a) with a larger width, a second section (36) with a smaller width and, between the first section (32) and the second section (36), having a first transition region (34) with an annular surface (34a), and the screw element (22, 24) having at least one sealing surface (22c, 24c) capable of being brought into sealing engagement with the annular surface (34a). The fluid channel (20, 20a-20d) is deformable in the second section (36) by a pressure applied by the screw element (22, 24) to the annular surface (34a) in the sense of reducing the volume of the fluid channel in the second section (36).