Gauge Hatch Spring Compressor for Aligned Seal Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation and closure of gauge hatches with large, stiff compression springs are difficult due to resistance, and misalignment of seal members can cause damage during closure, compromising the seal integrity.
Innovation Solution
A gauge hatch design incorporating a lever assembly and pusher mechanism that allows for safe and aligned engagement of the pressure seal member with the seal surface, facilitated by an over-center configuration and axial movement of the pusher, enabling easy installation and secure closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a larger and stiffer compression spring is used to regulate pressure release, then the pressure regulation effectiveness is improved, but the difficulty of installation and closure increases due to high resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The spring compressor is pre-installed on the hatch assembly, and the compression spring is pre-compressed to the required stiffness before final assembly. This preliminary preparation allows the stiffer spring to be installed without excessive resistance during the actual installation process, while still providing the necessary pressure regulation effectiveness when the hatch is in service.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring compressor acts as an intermediary device that temporarily bears the high compression force of the stiffer spring during installation. By using the compressor as a mediator, the system can accommodate the high resistance of the stiffer spring during installation without requiring excessive force from the installer, while still achieving the necessary spring compression for effective pressure regulation.
2Reliability
If a larger and stiffer compression spring is used, then the pressure regulation effectiveness is improved, but the risk of seal member damage increases due to misalignment during closure
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment features are pre-configured during hatch assembly, and the spring compressor is pre-positioned to guide the seal member into proper alignment before the stiffer spring is fully compressed. This preliminary alignment preparation ensures that when the stiffer spring is compressed, the seal member engages correctly with the seal surface, preventing damage while maintaining the pressure regulation effectiveness provided by the stiffer spring.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring compressor serves as an intermediary alignment device that guides the seal member into proper alignment with the seal surface during compression. By using the compressor as a mediator, the system can accommodate the higher forces generated by the stiffer spring while preventing misalignment and subsequent damage to the seal member, thus enabling effective pressure regulation without harmful side effects.
3Reliability
If the compression spring is highly compressed to provide sufficient bias force, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but the installation resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring compressor is pre-installed and pre-compressed to the required degree before final hatch assembly. This preliminary compression action establishes the necessary sealing force in advance, allowing the seal member to engage effectively with the seal surface while avoiding excessive installation resistance during the final assembly process, as the spring is already in its compressed state providing the necessary bias force.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring compressor acts as an intermediary device that temporarily absorbs the high compression forces required to achieve effective sealing. By using the compressor as a mediator during installation, the system can compress the spring to the degree necessary for effective sealing without requiring excessive installation force from the operator, thus achieving both good sealing effectiveness and reasonable installation ease.
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 easy installation and secure sealing of the gauge hatch lid, ensuring effective pressure regulation and minimizing seal damage, thereby maintaining the integrity of the seal assembly.
Implementation Method 1
A compression spring is compressed to bias the seal against the seal surface as the hatch lid is moved to the closed position
Implementation Method 2
A spring compressor is provided that is configured to compress the compression spring
Data Source
AI summary
A gauge hatch has a base with an opening and an annular seal surface, a lid having a body and a pusher, a plunger positioned between the base and the lid and having an annular seal surface, a pressure seal member supported by a plunger, and a vacuum seal member supported by the plunger. The pressure spring positioned between the pusher and the plunger and the pusher movably mounted to the body so the pusher is movable between a first position wherein the pressure seal is sealingly disengaged from the annular seal surface of the base and the pressure spring is in a substantially non-compressed condition, and a second position wherein the pressure seal member is sealingly engaged with the annular seal surface of the base and the pressure spring is in a compressed condition.