Integral Metal Fitting with Labyrinth O-Ring Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure vessels with multi-part fittings and O-ring seals are costly to produce, have unsatisfactory tightness and durability, and are complex to assemble, with O-ring exchange being impractical.
Innovation Solution
A pressure vessel design where the metal cylinder forms an integral part of the metal fitting with a stepwise smaller outer diameter, featuring multiple O-ring seals in grooves for a labyrinth effect, and a support sleeve made of fiber composite, allowing for easy assembly and O-ring exchange, with O-rings made of elastomeric materials like PTFE for enhanced sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multi-part fittings and multiple O-ring seals are used in the collar area, then the sealing capability is improved, but the production cost increases and the assembly becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate fitting parts into a single integrated metal fitting that includes the collar, sealing surfaces, and mounting features as one piece. This merging reduces the number of components from multiple separate parts to a single unified component, simplifying assembly while maintaining the multi-zone sealing capability through integrated O-ring grooves and sealing surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the sealing function into multiple distinct zones within the single fitting, with each zone having its own O-ring groove and sealing surface. This allows independent sealing zones to be created within the unified fitting structure, enabling reliable multi-stage sealing without requiring multiple separate fitting components.
2Reliability
If multiple O-ring seals are used, then the durability of tightness is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple O-ring grooves and sealing zones into a single metal fitting component, allowing multiple seals to be installed in one assembly operation. This reduces the number of separate manufacturing and assembly steps required, lowering production costs while maintaining the durability benefits of multiple sealing zones.
3Reliability
If a multi-part fitting system is used, then the sealing effect is improved, but the ease of repair and O-ring exchange is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the single metal fitting with distinct, accessible O-ring grooves and sealing zones that can be independently accessed. This segmentation of sealing functions within the unified fitting allows individual O-rings to be removed and replaced without disassembling the entire fitting assembly, greatly facilitating maintenance and repair operations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the metal cylinder has stepwise smaller outer diameter than the metal fitting, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements stepwise diameter reductions at specific locations of the metal cylinder, creating locally differentiated geometries that serve different functions. These localized dimensional variations provide adaptability for different sealing zones and assembly requirements, while the overall manufacturing precision is managed through standardized machining processes for the progressive diameter changes.
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 design simplifies construction, reduces production costs, and provides improved durability and adaptability by allowing for O-ring replacement and better compensation for liner settling, ensuring a precise and statically stable sealing effect.
Implementation Method 1
an O-ring seal (5) pressed tightly onto the collar (1.1) is inserted
Implementation Method 2
The at least one O-ring is advantageously made of elastomeric material in order to be able to better compensate for settling phenomena of a liner made of polymeric and in particular thermoplastic material
Implementation Method 3
O-ring seals made of different materials can also be used, for example those made of PTFE. In addition to good chemical resistance, such O-ring seals are characterized by good permanent elasticity due to the memory effect inherent in PTFE
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A pressure container for storing liquid or gaseous media, comprising a plastic core container (1) with at least one cylindrical collar (1.1), which is disposed with a radially outwardly protruding flange (3.1) in the radial space between a metal cylinder (2) inserted therein and a metal body (3) surrounding the collar (1a) on the outside, wherein the metal cylinder has at least one groove (4) which is open radially to the outside and into which an O-ring (5) which is pressed against the collar (1.1) is inserted to form a seal, wherein a metal fitting (2.1) is screwed with an external thread (2.2) into the end of the metal body (3) facing away from the metal cylinder, and wherein the plastic core container (1) and the flange (3.1) are encircled at least partly by a supporting sleeve (7) composed of a fiber composite. The metal cylinder (2) forms a one-piece component of the fitting (2.1), directly adjoins the external thread, and has a stepped smaller external diameter than the external thread (2.2).