Fluid Control Valve Seal Ring Design for Leakage Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional exhaust gas recirculation control valves are expensive due to multiple seal rings and a backup ring, requiring complex assembly and high maintenance costs, and suffer from fluid leakage issues caused by thermal expansion differences.
Innovation Solution
A fluid control valve assembly with a single seal ring and backup ring, featuring a ring-shaped groove and protruded portions with a smaller outer diameter, which seals against the housing and obstructs fluid flow when closed, reducing the number of parts and assembly complexity while enhancing sealing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple seal rings and a backup ring are provided, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sealing components (multiple seal rings and backup ring) into a single integrated seal ring structure with a specific cross-sectional shape. The seal ring includes a first sealing surface, second sealing surface, and backup surface formed as one piece, eliminating the need for separate components while maintaining the sealing functions of multiple rings.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal ring is segmented into multiple functional surfaces (first sealing surface, second sealing surface, backup surface) that perform different sealing functions. This segmentation allows a single component to provide multiple sealing actions against different surfaces of the valve body, replacing what previously required multiple separate rings.
2Reliability
If multiple seal rings are rotated relative to each other, then fluid leakage through cutout clearances is prevented, but manufacturing precision and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sealing functions into a single seal ring structure that does not require rotation or alignment with other seal rings. The continuous structure eliminates cutout clearances entirely, removing the need for precise rotational alignment that previously caused manufacturing and assembly difficulties.
3Reliability
If a backup ring is fitted in the seal ring groove, then fluid leakage through the bottom of the groove is prevented, but the number of parts and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The backup sealing function is merged into the main seal ring structure as an integrated feature. The backup surface is formed as part of the single seal ring, eliminating the need for a separate backup ring component and simplifying assembly to a single insertion operation.
4Strength
If two butterfly plates are assembled into close contact, then the circular disk-shaped valve is constructed, but the number of parts and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the two separate butterfly plates into a single integrated valve body structure. The unified structure maintains the necessary mechanical strength and structural integrity while reducing the part count from two components to one, thereby simplifying manufacturing and assembly.
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 simplified design reduces costs, simplifies assembly, and effectively minimizes fluid leakage by using a single seal ring and backup ring, improving sealing performance and reducing the complexity of the valve structure.
Implementation Method 1
The seal ring may be warped due to differences in thermal expansion between the seal ring and the liner
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid control valve assembly is disclosed that includes a housing, a valve with a ring-shaped groove, and a seal ring with a clearance extending between an outer diameter and an inner diameter. The seal ring includes a pair of opposing axial side surfaces and is provided in the groove. The seal ring seals against the housing when the valve is in the closed position. The valve assembly also includes a backup ring provided in the groove adjacent one of the axial side surfaces of the seal ring to thereby obstruct fluid flow through the clearance of the seal ring when the valve is in the closed position.