Fire-Resistant Thread-Lock Coupling Seal for Zero-Flow Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Quick connect/disconnect couplings in severe service applications, such as aerospace, face challenges in maintaining pressure and sealing functionality during zero-flow conditions, especially under high temperatures and pressure, while also requiring ease of maintenance and resistance to high vibration and impulse fatigue.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a unique seal assembly with non-metallic materials and a delta ring configuration in the seal groove, along with a rotatable support and actuating sleeve mechanism that reduces friction and wear, and includes a bearing ring to minimize contact points, enhancing sealing performance and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional seal assemblies are used in zero-flow fire events, then sealing functionality is provided, but leakage prevention fails under extreme temperatures and pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The seal assembly uses a composite structure combining metal and non-metallic materials. The non-metallic backup rings (made from materials like PTFE or other polymers) are positioned between the seal ring and the seal groove, creating a composite sealing system that leverages the advantages of both material types for enhanced fire resistance and leakage prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal assembly is segmented into multiple functional components: a seal ring, non-metallic backup rings, and a seal groove with specific geometry. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function - the seal ring provides primary sealing, while the backup rings provide support and additional sealing under extreme conditions.
2Stress or pressure
If thread-together couplings are used for high-pressure loads, then mechanical advantage is provided, but friction and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
A bearing ring is introduced as an intermediary component between the rotatable support and the coupler body. This bearing ring reduces direct metal-to-metal contact and friction during the threading operation, making the coupling easier to assemble and disassemble while maintaining the thread-together design for high-pressure loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates a rotatable support that allows dynamic adjustment during the coupling process. This rotatable feature reduces friction by enabling smooth engagement of the threads while maintaining the mechanical advantage of the thread-together construction for withstanding high-pressure loads.
3Reliability
If conventional seal assemblies are used, then basic sealing is provided, but resistance to high vibration and impulse fatigue is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The use of non-metallic backup rings with high vibration resistance properties creates a composite seal assembly that maintains sealing performance under severe vibration and impulse fatigue conditions. These non-metallic materials are specifically selected for their ability to withstand extreme mechanical stress while maintaining seal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-metallic backup rings are positioned beforehand between the seal ring and seal groove to provide cushioning and protection against vibration and impulse fatigue. This pre-positioned cushioning layer absorbs mechanical shocks and prevents damage to the sealing components during severe service conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A zero-flow thread-lock quick connect/disconnect coupling having male and female couplers that enhance the fire-resistance capability of the coupling in a zero-flow pressurized state. The couplers include a fire-resistant seal assembly including a seal ring and non-metallic backup rings disposed. A first backup ring is made with a high-temperature non-metallic material and is formed as a delta ring for enhancing sealing performance during a fire event. A second non-metallic backup ring is formed as a half-delta ring between first and third backup rings. The third backup ring is made with a non-metallic material that is softer than the first and second backup rings and which abuts the seal ring. The female coupler includes a bearing ring that operatively connects a rotatable threaded support to the coupler body, a protrusion-slot interface between an actuating sleeve and the rotatable support, and a seal in the actuating sleeve for damping and/or debris-resistance.