Interlocking PTFE Gasket Seal for High-Pressure Flange Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sealing systems fail to effectively resist high pressures and prevent seal collapse into the piping system during pressure changes, leading to leakage and potential damage in fluid flow applications.
Innovation Solution
A sealing system comprising a metallic core retaining element with an interlocked inner diameter seal element, featuring axial and radial locking mechanisms, and a dielectric sealing material like PTFE, which prevents movement and maintains a reliable seal despite pressure changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional seal system is used, then the structure is simple, but the seal cannot resist high pressure changes and may collapse into the piping system
Solution Approach 1:
The seal system is divided into distinct functional components: an inner diameter seal element for sealing, a retaining element for structural support, and interlocking features for connection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to resist high pressure changes without collapse
Solution Approach 2:
The inner diameter seal element is nested within the retaining element, with the seal element positioned inside the retaining element's inner diameter. This nested configuration allows the seal to be supported and constrained by the retaining element, providing pressure resistance while maintaining a compact structure
2Stability of the object's composition
If the seal element is loosely fitted, then installation is easy, but the seal cannot resist axial movement during pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking features (protrusions and recesses) are pre-formed on the seal element and retaining element during manufacturing. These pre-formed features automatically engage during installation to prevent axial movement, providing position stability without requiring complex installation procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The seal element and retaining element have different local properties: the seal element has axial protrusions for positioning, while the retaining element has corresponding recesses. This local differentiation creates the interlocking mechanism that prevents axial movement while maintaining ease of assembly
3Strength
If the seal element is not interlocked, then the structure is simpler, but the seal cannot resist radial movement and collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking features utilize asymmetric geometry where the protrusions on the seal element complement the recesses in the retaining element. This asymmetric design creates effective radial interlocking that prevents collapse while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through straightforward geometric forms
Solution Approach 2:
The radial and axial interlocking features are merged into a unified interlocking system where the same protrusion-recess geometry serves both radial stabilization and axial positioning functions, reducing overall structural complexity while providing comprehensive movement resistance
Data Source
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AI summary
Gasket seals for high pressure applications include retaining elements with inner diameter seal elements that interlock with the retaining element to provide resistance to movement in both axial and radial directions between the retaining element and seal element. High pressure sealing may be accomplished using a metallic core retaining element to which an electrically isolating material is bonded on either or both sides. Sealing is achieved through an inner diameter dielectric sealing element, such as a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) inner diameter sealing ring. Flanges of a joint in a fluid flow ling may be bolted together with the gasket seal interposed therebetween. In the event of pressure changes, the inner diameter seal resists being drawn into the flow line, and resists axial movement relative to the retaining element, through dual locking members that secure the seal to the retaining element.