Metal Pipe Sealing Mechanism for High-Temperature Expansion Forming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing expansion forming devices face issues with resin-based sealing materials being damaged by high temperatures in metal pipe materials, leading to leakage and the need for a more heat-resistant sealing solution.
Innovation Solution
A forming device with a sealing mechanism that uses a non-resin material, such as metal, to seal against fluid leakage by contact without applying axial force, utilizing a clamp mechanism that deforms radially to secure the metal pipe material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If resin-based sealing materials are used to seal the metal pipe material, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the sealing material is damaged by high temperatures causing leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the sealing contact surface from resin-based to metal-based material. This parameter change enables the sealing mechanism to withstand high temperatures without degradation, directly resolving the contradiction between sealing effectiveness and temperature resistance. The metal contact surface maintains its mechanical properties and sealing capability even when exposed to the high temperatures required for metal pipe forming.
2Reliability
If axial force is applied to seal the metal pipe material, then sealing pressure is improved, but the heated metal pipe material deforms or buckles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the sealing force application from the axial dimension to the radial dimension. The clamp mechanism applies radial clamping force to press the metal contact surface against the metal pipe material, creating an effective seal without imposing axial compressive loads that would cause buckling or deformation of the heated pipe. This dimensional change in force application resolves the contradiction between achieving sufficient sealing pressure and maintaining pipe shape integrity.
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 suppresses the influence of high-temperature metal pipes by using heat-resistant materials, preventing leakage and maintaining sealing integrity even under extreme temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a heating unit that heats the metal pipe material
Implementation Method 2
the sealing mechanism performs the sealing by contact between the metal pipe material and a non-resin material, without applying an axial force to the metal pipe material
Implementation Method 3
a clamp mechanism that deforms the clamp mechanism itself in a radial direction to perform sealing
Data Source
AI summary
A forming device includes: a fluid supply unit that is disposed at an end portion of a metal pipe material and that supplies a fluid into the metal pipe material through an opening of the end portion; and a sealing mechanism that performs sealing against leakage of the fluid from the metal pipe material when the fluid is supplied by the fluid supply unit into the metal pipe material that is heated by a heating unit, in which the sealing mechanism performs the sealing by contact between the metal pipe material and a non-resin material, without applying an axial force to the metal pipe material.