Expandable Sleeve Plug for High-Pressure Manifold Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug and sealing systems fail to withstand high pressures in manifold systems, while also being easy to manufacture and install.
Innovation Solution
A plug system comprising a sleeve, core, and pin, where the core and pin are positioned within the sleeve, with a tapered outer wall and threaded hole, and an installation device using a pull-rod to expand the sleeve against the hole, ensuring a secure seal under high pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple sleeve with threaded core is used for easy manufacturing and installation, then ease of manufacture and installation is improved, but the pressure withstanding capacity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is divided into three main segments: a sleeve, a core, and a pin. The core and pin are separate components that are inserted into the sleeve, allowing each component to be manufactured independently and then assembled. This segmentation enables the core to provide structural strength for pressure withstanding while the sleeve provides the sealing interface, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and pressure capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The core and pin are nested within the sleeve, with the core positioned at one end and the pin at the other end of the sleeve's internal cavity. This nested configuration allows the stronger core and pin components to be housed within the sleeve, enabling the assembly to withstand high pressures while maintaining a compact structure that is relatively easy to manufacture and install.
2Strength
If a stronger structure is used to withstand high pressures, then pressure withstanding capacity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the plug into a sleeve, core, and pin, the complex function of withstanding high pressure is distributed across multiple simpler components. The core provides the structural strength, the pin provides additional support and positioning, and the sleeve provides the sealing interface. This segmentation reduces device complexity compared to a single monolithic high-strength component.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve, core, and pin are merged into a single assembled unit that functions together to withstand high pressures. The core and pin work in conjunction with the sleeve, combining their individual strengths to achieve the required pressure withstanding capacity while maintaining relative simplicity in the design of each individual component.
3Device complexity
If a monolithic plug design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to expand against the hole for sealing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The plug design incorporates dynamic elements where the core and pin can be inserted and removed from the sleeve, and the sleeve can expand radially when the core is pulled into it. This dynamic configuration allows the plug to transition from a loose fit to an expanded sealed state, improving sealing capability while maintaining relatively simple device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug utilizes parameter changes in the form of radial expansion of the sleeve. When the core is pulled into the sleeve, the sleeve expands radially outward to contact and seal against the hole walls. This parameter change from a smaller initial diameter to an expanded sealed diameter enables reliable sealing while keeping the device structure relatively simple.
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 effectively seals holes in manifold systems, capable of withstanding very high pressures, such as up to 60,000 psi, while maintaining ease of manufacturing and installation.
Implementation Method 1
The pull-rod is retractable by the drive to pull the core into the sleeve and push the pin into the sleeve thereby expanding the sleeve against the hole
Implementation Method 2
The core has a length, a tapered outer wall, and a threaded hole extending partly through the core. The pin has a length, a tapered outer wall, and a through-hole
Data Source
AI summary
An insert for sealing a hole having a diameter. The insert includes a plug having a maximum outer diameter that is equal to or less than the diameter of the hole. The plug also has a sleeve, a core, and a pin. The sleeve has a length and a void. The core and the pin are both press-fit into the void at opposite ends of the void. The core has a first length, a first tapered outer wall, and a threaded hole extending partly through the core. The pin has a second length, a second tapered outer wall, and a passage extending there-through. The plug also has protrusions located on an outer surface of the sleeve.