Flange Connection Radial Axial Sealing Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flat flange connections in combustion engines, particularly between metallic and plastic parts, suffer from leakage due to deformation caused by pressure, temperature, and mechanical stresses, which compromises the sealing integrity.
Innovation Solution
A modified flat flange connection design that decouples mechanical assembly and sealing functions, using a metallic interface flange sandwiched between the abutting flanges, with a radial sealing gasket for radial tightness and a sheet gasket for axial tightness, ensuring increased leakage resistance and compatibility with current engine designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single axial sealing gasket is used in a flat flange connection, then the structure is simple, but sealing reliability deteriorates due to deformation from pressure, temperature, and mechanical stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented into two independent sealing means: first sealing means (radial sealing) and second sealing means (axial sealing). This segmentation allows each sealing means to address specific deformation directions independently, improving overall sealing reliability while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface means act as an intermediary component between the two flanges, providing a stable mounting surface for the second sealing means and enabling independent axial sealing without compromising the radial sealing performed by the first sealing means.
2Device complexity
If mechanical assembly and sealing functions are combined in a single component, then the device complexity is reduced, but sealing performance deteriorates under deformation conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is segmented into distinct functional components: connecting means for mechanical assembly and two separate sealing means for sealing. This functional segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromise, achieving both simplicity and high leakage resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the flange connection are assigned different qualities: the connecting means provide mechanical strength and positioning, while the first and second sealing means provide sealing in radial and axial directions respectively. This local differentiation ensures optimal performance for each function.
3Ease of manufacture
If a classic flat flange connection with single axial sealing is used, then ease of manufacture is high, but leakage resistance deteriorates under thermo-mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is segmented into two independent sealing means that can be manufactured and installed separately. This segmentation maintains ease of manufacture while significantly improving leakage resistance by addressing both radial and axial sealing requirements independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface means serve as an intermediary that facilitates the installation of the second sealing means while maintaining compatibility with existing flange designs, preserving ease of manufacture through standardized mounting procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a flange connection between a first duct (20) and a second duct (10) of an engine of a motor vehicle, comprising a first flange (21) located on one end of said first duct (20), a second flange (11) located on one end of said second duct (10) and connecting means (32, 33) for axially tightening the first and second abutting flanges (11, 21). According to the invention said flange connection comprises first sealing means (40) for radially sealing said flange connection and interface means (50, 60) configured to be mounted on said first flange (21) and to come into contact with the abutting face of said second flange (11), said interface means (50, 60) comprising second sealing means (60) for radially sealing said flange connection.