Elastomeric Sealing Ring With Reinforced Insert
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elastomeric sealing rings with metal inserts in flange connections face issues with asymmetrical support due to manufacturing-related shifts, leading to potential leaks under varying loads and dynamic conditions.
Innovation Solution
A sealing ring design featuring a static metal insert completely surrounded by elastomer with a two-stage end geometry and stepped transition areas for self-centering during vulcanization, ensuring the insert remains centrally positioned and maintaining sealing integrity under pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the thin, flat metal insert is completely encased with rigid material, then the insert serves as a stable support and assembly aid, but manufacturing-related displacements occur leading to asymmetrical support function and potential leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing ring utilizes self-centering mechanisms during the vulcanization process through its two-stage end geometry and stepped transition areas. The elastomer material automatically positions the metal insert centrally without requiring external centering devices or complex manufacturing processes, allowing the system to self-correct positioning deviations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a two-stage end geometry with stepped transition areas that create different structural parameters at different locations of the sealing ring. This geometric parameter variation generates self-centering forces during vulcanization that automatically position the metal insert centrally, transforming the positioning problem into a geometric solution
2Reliability
If the elastomer body completely surrounds the metal insert, then the sealing ring provides force-fit sealing, but considerable settling behavior occurs allowing movement between connected parts
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing ring is segmented into distinct functional zones: a central metal insert for structural stability, elastomer layers for sealing, and stepped transition areas for self-centering. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together as an integrated system
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing ring combines metal and elastomer materials in a composite structure where the metal insert provides dimensional stability and the elastomer provides sealing compliance. The composite design leverages the advantages of both materials while mitigating their individual disadvantages
3Manufacturing precision
If a crown-like central deformable section is added to prevent asymmetrical support, then sealing symmetry is improved, but elastomer consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding a large crown-like deformable section, the patent extracts the essential centering function and implements it through stepped transition areas and two-stage end geometry. This removes the excessive elastomer material while retaining the critical self-centering capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different geometric qualities to different locations of the sealing ring. The stepped transition areas and two-stage end geometry create localized structural variations that generate self-centering forces only where needed, rather than requiring a uniformly thick crown-like section throughout
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 enhances sealing performance by maintaining a centered position under load, effectively absorbing forces and preventing leaks, while reducing elastomeric material usage and thermal energy requirements for vulcanization.
Implementation Method 1
a thermally induced fluidizing self-centering of the inserted static insert can occur during the vulcanization process
Implementation Method 2
the inserted static insert can occur during the vulcanization process, which is immovably fixed in the center during the subsequent curing of the elastomer in conjunction with the cooling process
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Sealing ring 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 rigid material lying flat in the ring plane perpendicular to the pressure direction, and the sealing body (2) has an elastomer layer surrounding the insert (3) which has different thicknesses in the radial direction, wherein the sealing body (2) has a circumferential central sealing body section (5) with an elastomer layer (6, 7) above and below the insert (3), and the elastomer layers (6, 7) each terminate radially at the end of the insert (3) via a stepped transition area (8, 9) into a circumferential inner and outer sealing ring lip (10, 11) of the sealing body (2), wherein the sealing ring lips (10, 11) have a reduced thickness compared to the central sealing body section (5).