Integrated Flow-Regulating Seal for Retrofit Fluid Outlets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid regulating devices in fluid systems often require extensive and costly redesigns of surrounding hardware when adjustments are needed, as they are not easily adaptable to changes in fluid flow requirements.
Innovation Solution
A conical seal with a fluid regulating device that includes a seal housing, a fitting, and a valve, where the seal housing has a bore with a reduced fluid regulating capability, allowing for adjustable fluid flow without necessitating redesigns of the male outlet or the entire system, utilizing a check valve and elastic biasing mechanism for regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a male outlet is designed to permit a certain fluid flow magnitude, then the fluid flow capability is optimized for that specific requirement, but if the fluid flow needs to be reduced later, extensive redesign of the housing is required which is time consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the sealing system into separate modular components: a seal housing, a seal element, and an independently replaceable fluid regulating device. This segmentation allows the fluid regulating device to be changed without redesigning the entire housing, enabling flexible adaptation of fluid flow characteristics while maintaining the core housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal housing is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate different fluid regulating devices with varying flow characteristics. The housing serves multiple functions: providing structural support, enabling sealing through the seal element, and allowing integration of various fluid regulation mechanisms, thereby reducing the need for custom housing redesigns.
2Ease of operation
If fluid regulating devices are incorporated into fluid systems, then fluid flow control functionality is achieved, but changes to these devices require extensive changes to surrounding hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates a check valve with a movable piston that can dynamically adjust fluid flow regulation based on system conditions. The piston is elastically biased and can move to open or close the flow path, providing adaptive fluid control without requiring manual intervention or extensive system modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve mechanism automatically regulates fluid flow based on pressure differential across the piston, eliminating the need for external control systems or manual adjustments. The elastic biasing provides self-regulating behavior that adapts to changing system conditions without additional hardware or complex control logic.
3Reliability
If a seal element with angled flange is used to engage with the outlet, then tight sealing engagement is achieved, but the structural complexity of the seal element increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal element incorporates an angled or conical flange that tapers to match the corresponding outlet geometry. This curved/tapered surface provides progressive engagement and distribution of sealing forces, achieving reliable sealing while maintaining a relatively simple single-piece structure without requiring complex multi-component assemblies.
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
Enables flexible and cost-effective fluid regulation by allowing for adjustments in fluid flow without extensive redesigns, reducing time and expenses associated with system modifications.
Implementation Method 1
a piston which is anchored to the valve body and elastically biased toward the valve seat by an elastic element
Implementation Method 2
The intermediate body is interposable between the female fitting and the seal body and movable about the seal body with the female fitting and includes a surface configured to abut with the second surface and to force the first surface against the male outlet
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A seal (50) for a male outlet (60) having a predefined fluid regulating capability is disclosed. The seal includes a seal body (70) that comprises an aft end (71) including a first surface (710) abuttable with the male outlet (60) and a second surface (711) opposite the first surface (710), and a forward end (72) defining a bore (720) having a fluid regulating capability reduced as compared to the predefined fluid regulating capability of the male outlet (60). The seal further includes a female fitting (80) that comprises an aft end (81) configured for engagement with the male outlet (60), and a forward end (82) disposable about the seal body (70). The seal further includes an intermediate body (90) interposable between the female fitting (80) and the seal body (70) and movable about the seal body (70) with the female fitting (80), the intermediate body (90) comprising a surface (91) configured to abut with the second surface (711) and to force the first surface (710) against the male outlet (60) as the aft end (81) of the female fitting (80) engages with the male outlet (60).