Fluid Coupling Seal Structure for Easy Connection Under Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid coupling seals with semi-circular profiles face difficulties in connecting coupling members due to resistance in seal compression, especially when used in square cross-sectional cavities, and require specialized tools for replacement, leading to challenges in easy connection and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A seal design featuring an upper and lower portion with a movable vane that reduces the gap between the seal components, allowing easier engagement of coupling members and maintaining fluid integrity, even under high pressures, by deforming to fit the square seal cavity and preventing 'blow out' through a combination of ledge and vane contact with the seal cavity faces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a semi-circular profile seal is used in a square cross-sectional cavity, then the seal can provide fluid tight sealing, but the connection of coupling members becomes difficult due to resistance in seal compression
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into multiple functional segments: a radially outward projecting portion for initial engagement, a bellows portion for compression accommodation, and sealing beads for fluid tight sealing. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction between maintaining seal integrity and enabling easy connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The bellows portion of the seal is designed to be dynamically compressible, allowing it to deform during coupling member engagement and then expand to provide sealing. This dynamic behavior enables the seal to accommodate the compression force during connection while maintaining fluid tight sealing when engaged.
2Strength
If a steel reinforcing ring is included in the seal, then the seal maintains structural integrity, but replacement of the seal requires specialized tools
Solution Approach 1:
The steel reinforcing ring is extracted as a separate, removable component from the seal assembly. This allows the seal to be installed and removed without specialized tools by simply manipulating the flexible seal body, while the reinforcing ring remains in the cavity to provide structural support. The reinforcing ring is taken out of the seal material itself and made into an independent element.
3Reliability
If the seal is designed to resist compression for maintaining seal integrity, then fluid tight sealing is achieved, but the coupling members are difficult to engage together
Solution Approach 1:
The radially outward projecting portion of the seal performs preliminary engagement with the mating coupling member before full compression occurs. This preliminary action initiates the sealing process and guides the coupling members into proper alignment, reducing the force required for subsequent engagement while maintaining seal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal's compressibility parameter is optimized to allow initial engagement with low force, then transitions to a higher stiffness state when compressed, providing fluid tight sealing. The bellows portion enables this parameter change by allowing gradual compression while maintaining structural integrity.
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
Facilitates easier connection of coupling members with reduced force requirements and maintains effective sealing under varying pressures, including high flow pressures, while allowing for easy installation and removal without specialized tools.
Implementation Method 1
the seal is drawn into the seal cavity upon engagement of the coupling members to form the fluid coupling
Implementation Method 2
maintains effective sealing under varying pressures, including high flow pressures
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a seal for a coupling member of a type used in a fluid coupling including mating first and second coupling members. Each coupling member includes a seal cavity with a generally square shaped cross-section including an upper face, a circumferential face and a lower face. The seal includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion of the seal includes a first part and a second part. The first part of the lower portion of the seal includes an external ledge that extends away from the upper portion of the seal and which is configured during use of the coupling member to contact against the upper face of the seal cavity.