Hydraulic Interface Support Ring for Uneven Pressure Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic machines face efficiency issues due to leakage caused by deformation of interface surfaces under hydraulic pressure, which existing support elements, such as compression rings, fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A support element with varying strength in the circumferential and thickness directions is used, allowing adaptation to different resistances against deformation, and can be designed with asymmetrical shapes, materials, and interference fits to compensate for uneven deformations and pressures, ensuring effective sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a uniform compression ring is used to support the interface surface, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot adequately counteract non-uniform deformations under hydraulic pressure, leading to leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The support element features non-uniform thickness with varying cross-sectional area around its circumference, creating regions of different stiffness. Thicker regions provide stronger support where the interface surface has higher resistance to deformation, while thinner regions provide adequate support where resistance is lower. This local variation in quality allows the single support element to effectively counteract non-uniform deformations caused by hydraulic pressure, maintaining sealing performance without requiring multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element employs an asymmetric cross-sectional design where the thickness varies continuously or in discrete steps around the circumference. This asymmetric geometry is specifically tailored to match the non-uniform deformation pattern of the interface surface under pressure. By positioning thicker sections at locations requiring greater support and thinner sections where less support is needed, the asymmetric design optimizes the counteraction of deformations while maintaining a single integrated structure.
2Reliability
If the support element thickness is increased throughout to prevent deformation, then sealing performance improves, but the resistance to deformation becomes too high in some regions, causing uneven contact and potential leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The support element features non-uniform thickness with varying cross-sectional area around its circumference, creating regions of different stiffness. Thicker regions provide stronger support where the interface surface has higher resistance to deformation, while thinner regions provide adequate support where resistance is lower. This local variation in quality allows the single support element to effectively counteract non-uniform deformations caused by hydraulic pressure, maintaining sealing performance without requiring multiple separate components.
3Reliability
If a rigid support element is used to maintain interface flatness, then sealing performance improves, but it cannot adapt to varying deformation patterns, reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The support element features non-uniform thickness with varying cross-sectional area around its circumference, creating regions of different stiffness. Thicker regions provide stronger support where the interface surface has higher resistance to deformation, while thinner regions provide adequate support where resistance is lower. This local variation in quality allows the single support element to effectively counteract non-uniform deformations caused by hydraulic pressure, maintaining sealing performance without requiring multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element's geometric parameters, specifically the thickness and cross-sectional area, are varied continuously or in discrete steps around the circumference. This parameter variation allows the support element to adapt its stiffness characteristics to match the spatially varying deformation resistance of the interface surface. The design enables the support element to provide appropriate support force in each region, effectively counteracting non-uniform deformations while maintaining a single integrated structure.
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 solution effectively maintains the flatness of interface surfaces, reducing leakage and enhancing the efficiency of hydraulic machines by counteracting uneven deformations with tailored forces and geometries, even under high pressure.
Implementation Method 1
the support element comprises a strength varying in circumferential direction around the member and/or in thickness direction in a middle region of the member, wherein the strength of the support element varies depending on the resistance against deformation of the member
Data Source
Figure 1~3b
Figure 4a~5c
Figure 6a~7c
AI summary
A hydraulic machine comprising a first member (1) having a first structure (2) for a hydraulic medium opening in a first interface surface (3) and a second member having a second structure for the hydraulic medium opening in a second interface surface is described, the first interface surface (3) being in contact with the second interface surface, wherein at least one of the members (1) is provided with a support element (6) surrounding the member (1). Such a machine should have a good efficiency. To this end the support element (6) comprises a strength varying in circumferential direction around the member (1) and/or in thickness direction in a middle region of the member (1).