Flat Seal Mounting Jaw for Precise Flange Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current CF and QCF flange connections face challenges in assembly, particularly in difficult positions and confined spaces, leading to seal misplacement, damage, and increased personnel and time costs due to the need for multiple persons and additional tools, resulting in potential leaks and contamination.
Innovation Solution
A mounting device with a clamping jaw that tapers to a nose to securely hold the flat seal in place between flanges, forming a restricted guidance to prevent slipping and ensure precise positioning, allowing for single-person assembly without additional tools, and adaptable to various flange types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual assembly of flat seals in CF/QCF flange connections is performed in difficult positions and confined spaces, then assembly can be completed, but seal misplacement and damage occur, requiring multiple persons and additional tools
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device serves as an intermediary tool between the assembler and the flat seal. It includes a mounting element with a holding element that temporarily holds the seal, and a fastening element that secures the mounting element to the flange. This intermediary device enables reliable seal positioning even in difficult-to-reach locations, eliminating the need for multiple persons while maintaining high positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting device allows preliminary positioning and securing of the flat seal before final flange assembly. The holding element pre-positions the seal in the correct location, and the fastening element temporarily secures it to the flange. This preliminary action ensures the seal is correctly positioned before the challenging task of tightening flange bolts in confined spaces, preventing misplacement and damage.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple persons and additional tools are used for seal assembly, then seal positioning accuracy improves, but personnel and time costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device is designed to be self-sufficient, integrating both the holding element for seal positioning and the fastening element for securing. This self-service tool performs multiple functions that would otherwise require multiple persons and tools, reducing assembly time while maintaining precision. The device can be operated by a single person and eliminates the need for additional positioning tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting device merges the holding function and fastening function into a single integrated tool. The holding element and fastening element work together as one unit, combining the capabilities of multiple separate tools. This merging reduces the number of tools needed and the time required to switch between tools, while maintaining high positioning precision through the coordinated action of both elements.
3Device complexity
If traditional assembly methods are used without specialized mounting devices, then device complexity remains low, but seal damage and leakage risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting device is segmented into distinct functional elements: a mounting element with a holding element for seal engagement, and a fastening element for securing to the flange. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific function while keeping the overall device structure simple. The holding element specifically engages the seal without causing damage, and the fastening element provides secure attachment, together eliminating leakage risks with minimal complexity.
4Reliability
If the mounting device uses a tapered nose design, then seal holding reliability improves, but device manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element features a tapered nose with specifically optimized geometric parameters. The taper angle and nose radius are carefully selected to match the seal geometry, enabling reliable holding without complex manufacturing. This parameter optimization achieves high seal holding reliability through a relatively simple tapered shape that can be manufactured using standard machining processes, balancing reliability and ease of manufacture.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting device for a flat seal of a flange connection that includes a first flange, a second flange, and a flat seal arranged between the flanges. The mounting device includes a clamping jaw for a clearance between the first flange and the second flange. The clamping jaw tapers at an end to a nose for holding the flat seal.