Hydrogen Valve Sealing Assembly with PTFE Anti-Extrusion Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel cell vehicle systems require a multifunction valve with a reliable sealing assembly to maintain gas tightness under high hydrogen pressures, which existing solutions fail to achieve effectively throughout the valve's programmed life.
Innovation Solution
A multifunction valve with a sealing assembly comprising a guide segment, a positioning ring, a primary O-ring, and an anti-extrusion ring, where the anti-extrusion ring is made of PTFE and designed with a frustoconical surface to enhance sealing under high pressure, ensuring gas tightness by deforming under pressure to increase sealing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional sealing assembly is used in the multifunction valve, then the structure is simple, but the gas tightness under high hydrogen pressure deteriorates over time
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing assembly is divided into multiple functional components: a primary sealing element (O-ring), a secondary sealing element (anti-extrusion ring), and a positioning element (positioning ring). Each component performs a specific sealing function, with the primary O-ring providing initial sealing, the anti-extrusion ring preventing deformation under high pressure, and the positioning ring ensuring proper alignment. This segmentation allows the system to maintain gas tightness under 700 bar hydrogen pressure throughout the valve's programmed life.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing assembly uses different materials optimized for specific functions: the primary O-ring is made of elastomeric material for flexible sealing, the anti-extrusion ring is made of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) for pressure resistance and low friction, and the positioning ring is made of rigid material for structural stability. This composite material approach ensures that each component contributes its unique properties to maintain overall sealing performance under high hydrogen pressure.
2Reliability
If the guide segment has a frustoconical junction portion with opening angle between 45-55°, then the sealing efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The junction portion of the guide segment is designed with a specific frustoconical geometry characterized by an opening angle between 45° and 55° (preferably 48°-50°, most preferably 49°). This optimized angle range creates the ideal balance between sealing effectiveness and stress distribution. The frustoconical shape with this specific angle allows the anti-extrusion ring to deform uniformly under high pressure, maximizing sealing efficiency while keeping manufacturing tolerances achievable.
3Reliability
If the anti-extrusion ring is designed to deform under high pressure, then the sealing efficiency is enhanced, but the structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-extrusion ring is designed as a flexible component made of PTFE material that can deform under high hydrogen pressure (350-700 bar). This flexibility allows the ring to conform to the frustoconical junction portion and maintain sealing contact even under extreme pressure conditions. The PTFE material provides both the necessary flexibility for deformation and sufficient structural stability to prevent extrusion and maintain integrity throughout the valve's operational life.
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 sealing assembly effectively maintains gas tightness under high hydrogen pressures, ensuring reliable operation throughout the valve's life by utilizing the deformation of the anti-extrusion ring to enhance sealing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the anti-extrusion ring is made of PTFE and designed with a frustoconical surface to enhance sealing under high pressure, ensuring gas tightness by deforming under pressure to increase sealing efficiency
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A multifunction valve for a high-pressure hydrogen supply system of a fuel cell vehicle system comprises a valve body (2) and a functional device (10,1010). The functional device (10,1010) comprises a stem (12,1012) and a sealing assembly (18,1018). The sealing assembly comprises a primary O-ring (22) and an anti-extrusion ring (24) consisting of an annular unit body (26) having a frustoconical inner lateral surface (34) in contact with the lateral surface (14d) of the junction portion (14c) of the guide segment (14), having a predefined opening angle (A).