Inflatable Leak Check Bladder for Constrained Port Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sealing methods are inadequate for performing leak checks on component assemblies positioned in physically or geometrically constrained spaces, as they fail to effectively seal openings in such tight environments.
Innovation Solution
A conformal sealing fixture comprising an inflatable bladder with a bladder body made from elastomeric material, featuring a sealing surface and an intake port. The bladder can be deflated to fit within constrained spaces and inflated to conform to the space's geometry, forming a leak-tight seal with the component assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional sealing means (stoppers, bungs) are used to seal openings in component assemblies, then leak checks can be performed on accessible components, but sealing becomes difficult or impossible when components are positioned in physically or geometrically constrained spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing device transitions from a compressed, low-profile state suitable for insertion into constrained spaces to an expanded, rigid state that forms a effective seal around the port. This dynamic transformation allows the same device to navigate tight geometric constraints while providing robust sealing capability when deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing device utilizes a flexible bladder structure that can be compressed to a thin profile for insertion into constrained spaces, then expanded to form a rigid sealing surface. The flexible shell allows the device to adapt to varying port geometries while maintaining sealing effectiveness
2Volume of moving object
If component assemblies are positioned in constrained spaces within larger assemblies, then integration into compact systems is achieved, but access to openings for sealing and leak checking becomes difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing device is divided into distinct functional segments: a compressed core for insertion, an expandable bladder for sealing, and connection elements for fluid coupling. This segmentation allows the device to be inserted in a compact form while deploying sealing functionality only where needed at the port location
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing device nests within the constrained space of the component assembly, with the bladder collapsing into a compact form that fits inside or alongside other assembly components. The sealing function is activated only when the bladder is inflated at the specific port location
3Reliability
If conventional rigid sealing fixtures are used, then reliable seals can be formed on accessible ports, but the fixtures become too large to fit within constrained spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing fixture transitions from a compact compressed state with minimal volume for insertion into constrained spaces to an expanded rigid state that provides reliable sealing. The dynamic volume change allows the fixture to fit within tight spaces while maintaining seal integrity when deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameters of the sealing device (volume, rigidity, shape) are changed through inflation of the bladder. In the deflated state, the device has small volume and flexible properties for insertion; in the inflated state, it achieves large volume and rigid properties for reliable sealing
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 conformal sealing fixture allows for successful leak checks in constrained spaces by forming a reliable seal, reducing the need for complex multi-part fixtures and ensuring accurate leak testing.
Implementation Method 1
The bladder body is formed from an elastomeric material such that the bladder body is configured to expand to a rigid or semi-rigid structure when in an inflated state and to collapse to a flaccid structure when in a deflated state
Implementation Method 2
The intake port is configured to direct a pressurizing fluid into and out of the hollow inner volume of the bladder body to inflate the bladder to the inflated state and deflate the bladder body to the deflated state
Data Source
AI summary
A conformal sealing fixture includes an inflatable bladder having a bladder body, a sealing surface, and an intake port. The bladder body has an outer skin surrounding a hollow inner volume, which is configured to expand to a rigid or semi-rigid structure when in an inflated state and to collapse to a flaccid structure when in a deflated state. The sealing surface is configured to form a leak-tight seal against a port in a component assembly. The intake port is configured to direct a pressurizing fluid into and out of the hollow inner volume of the bladder body to inflate the bladder to the inflated state and deflate the bladder body to the deflated state. The bladder body is configured to be positioned within a constrained space in an industrial assembly when the bladder body is in the deflated state and is configured to conform to a geometry of the constrained space when the bladder body is in the inflated state, such that when the bladder body is in the inflated state, the sealing surface engages with the port in the component assembly to form a leak-tight seal.