Elastomeric Sealing Ring with Reinforced Inlay for Flange Connections
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elastomeric sealing rings with metal inserts face issues with asymmetrical support and leakage due to manufacturing-related shifts of the insert, leading to compromised sealing performance under varying loads and dynamic conditions.
Innovation Solution
A sealing ring design featuring a static support insert surrounded by elastomer, divided into inner and outer sealing web sections with a circumferential elastomer rib and chamfered profiles, allowing for self-centering during vulcanization and immovable fixation, which absorbs and distributes forces effectively across the flange connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flat metallic insert is completely surrounded by elastomer body, then the seal provides good support function, but manufacturing shifts cause asymmetrical support and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing ring incorporates a self-centering mechanism where the elastomer body automatically adjusts during vulcanization to center the metallic insert. The chamfered inner sealing ring web section creates a taper that guides the insert into proper central position, eliminating the need for high-precision manufacturing and preventing asymmetrical support.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert is pre-positioned in an open mold before vulcanization, allowing it to be placed in a roughly centered position. During the vulcanization process, the elastomer flows and self-centers around the insert, automatically correcting position before final curing. This preliminary positioning combined with self-centering during curing resolves the manufacturing precision issue.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the elastomer body is made thick to provide elastic reserve, then the seal adapts well to pressure changes, but material requirements and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing ring features variable elastomer thickness with different functional zones. The inner sealing ring web section has greater thickness to provide elastic reserve for pressure adaptation, while the outer sealing ring land section has reduced thickness. This local differentiation maintains sealing performance under varying pressures while minimizing overall material consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing ring is divided into distinct functional sections: an inner sealing ring web section with the metallic insert for support, and an outer sealing ring land section without insert for sealing. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized independently - the inner section provides structural support and pressure adaptation, while the outer section provides sealing with reduced material.
3Manufacturing precision
If chamfered profiles are added to the sealing ring web section, then self-centering during vulcanization is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using complex mechanical centering devices or precision fixtures, the patent uses the inherent flow and curing characteristics of elastomer during vulcanization. The chamfered profile creates a pressure gradient that drives the elastomer to flow uniformly around the insert, using the material's own rheological properties to achieve centering without additional mechanical complexity.
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 design ensures reliable sealing across a wide pressure range (from low to high pressures), reduces material requirements, and enhances load capacity while preventing corrosion and leakage, with improved stability and adaptability to different flange types.
Implementation Method 1
thermally vulcanized. A preferably precisely fitting joining in a vulcanization mold as well as an optional profiling of the elastomeric semi-finished component with chamfers
Implementation Method 2
sealing rings made of an elastomeric material into which a steel insert is inserted are typically used on pipe connections
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Sealing ring (1) for a force-fit connection in flange connections for tank and pipeline construction, comprising a sealing body (2) designed as a closed ring made of an elastomeric material, which completely encloses an insert (3) made of a rigid material lying flat in the ring plane (M) perpendicular to the pressure direction, wherein the sealing body (2) has at least one outer sealing ring web section (4) and one inner sealing ring web section (5) within a total web width of the sealing ring (1), wherein the inner sealing ring web section (5) contains the insert (3) and the inner sealing ring web section (5) has plateau surfaces (6, 7) positioned axially on both sides to the ring plane (M) and chamfered upwards relative to the outer sealing ring web section (4), which chamfer downwards into an annular elastomer rib (8) adjacent to the inner diameter (I) of the sealing ring (1).