Extended Orifice Plug Assembly for Leak Sealing and Deposit Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orifice plugs in fluid systems, such as those in gas turbine engines, lack effective sealing and maintenance features, leading to fluid leakage and deposit accumulation, which complicates maintenance and operation.
Innovation Solution
A fluid system assembly featuring a plug with a protrusion and head that seals an internal bore, secured by a nut, which includes an annular seal element and wrenching features to prevent leakage and facilitate maintenance, while the protrusion's design reduces fluid volume and aids in deposit removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple threaded fastener is used as an orifice plug, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sealing reliability deteriorates due to ineffective sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is divided into distinct functional segments: a head portion for sealing against the orifice, a body portion with external threads for engagement, and a protrusion extending into the bore. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function effectively, with the head providing sealing, the threads providing secure attachment, and the protrusion providing additional sealing and flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
An annular seal element is introduced as an intermediary component between the plug head and the orifice, and between the protrusion and the bore wall. This seal element acts as a mediator that enhances the sealing interface, preventing fluid leakage without requiring complex machining or deformation of the plug itself.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the protrusion extends partially into the internal bore, then fluid deposits are reduced through improved flow, but the device complexity increases due to additional geometric features
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusion is designed with specific local geometric qualities: a streamlined shape that extends partially into the bore, with smooth transitions and optimized dimensions. This local geometric configuration creates beneficial flow patterns in the critical region near the orifice, reducing deposit formation without requiring complex features throughout the entire plug structure.
3Reliability
If the head is seated against the fluid conduit with an annular seal element, then sealing reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional seal components
Solution Approach 1:
The annular seal element is made from a homogeneous sealing material that conforms to the sealing surfaces. This homogeneous material provides consistent sealing performance across the entire seal interface, ensuring reliable sealing without requiring complex multi-material construction or precision-machined sealing surfaces.
4Reliability
If a nut is added to secure the plug to the fluid conduit, then the reliability of plug attachment is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The nut serves multiple functions: it secures the plug to the fluid conduit, provides a means for installation and removal through standard threading, and can incorporate wrenching features for tool engagement. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address attachment reliability while maintaining ease of operation through standard fastening practices.
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 solution effectively seals the fluid conduit, reduces fluid deposits, and simplifies maintenance by providing a secure seal and easy access for tool engagement, enhancing operational reliability and maintenance efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The annular seal element may seal a gap between the protrusion and the fluid conduit
Implementation Method 2
The head seals an opening in the fluid conduit to the internal bore
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly is provided for a fluid system. This fluid system assembly includes a fluid conduit and a plug. The fluid conduit has an internal bore. The internal bore is configured as or otherwise includes a smooth-walled internal bore. The plug includes a protrusion and a head. The protrusion is connected to the head. The protrusion projects axially along an axial centerline partially into the smooth-walled internal bore to a distal end of the plug. The head is seated against the fluid conduit. The head seals an opening in the fluid conduit to the internal bore.