Fluid Coupling Thermal Break Structure for Fire-Resistant Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid couplings face challenges in maintaining fire resistance and proof performance during fires, as elastomeric seals can fail due to heat conduction, leading to potential leaks and loss of functionality.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an interruption in the inner diameter surface of the adapters adjacent to the seal grooves, which interrupts the thermal conductive path and allows for heat dissipation, enhancing fire resistance and proof performance by preventing excessive heat from affecting the seals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastomeric seals are used to seal potential leak paths in fluid couplings, then sealing performance is improved, but fire resistance is worsened because the seals heat up during fire and fail to function
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous inner diameter surface is segmented by introducing interruptions (discontinuities) adjacent to the seal grooves. These interruptions break the thermal conduction path from the outer adapter through the inner diameter surface to the seals, while preserving the sealing function by maintaining the groove structure for seal retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The interruption in the inner diameter surface acts as a thermal barrier or intermediary layer between the heat source (outer adapter) and the seals. This intermediary structure interrupts heat flow while allowing the seals to remain in their grooves and perform their sealing function.
2Strength
If a continuous inner diameter surface is used in adapters, then structural integrity is improved, but heat transfer to seals is worsened due to uninterrupted thermal conduction path
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous inner diameter surface is divided into separate segments by introducing interruptions. These interruptions create thermal breaks that reduce heat transfer to the seals while maintaining sufficient structural integrity through careful design of the interruption geometry and placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The interruption is applied locally adjacent to the seal grooves rather than throughout the entire adapter structure. This localized modification provides thermal protection where needed (at the seal locations) while preserving the overall structural integrity of the adapter bodies.
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
This configuration effectively extends the life and performance of the seals by reducing heat impact and enabling heat dissipation, thereby maintaining the fluid coupling's fire resistance and proof capabilities as per industry standards.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one interruption may be configured to interrupt the conductor path in a region around the at least one seal
Implementation Method 2
at least one seal disposed in the at least one seal groove to provide a sealed connection between the first adapter and the second adapter
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid coupling includes a first adapter having at least one seal groove in an inner diameter surface of the first adapter, and at least one interruption in the inner diameter surface adjacent to the at least one seal groove. The fluid coupling may include a second adapter having an outer diameter surface engaging with at least a portion of the inner diameter surface of the first adapter to form a conductor path between the first adapter and the second adapter. The fluid coupling may further include at least one seal disposed in the at least one seal groove to provide a sealed connection between the first adapter and the second adapter. The at least one interruption may be configured to interrupt the conductor path in a region around the at least one seal.