Multilayer Hydraulic Seal Assembly for Pipe Diameter Adaptation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipe seal assemblies for larger diameters rely on internal fluid pressure for tightening, but those for smaller diameters lack this feature, limiting their sealing effectiveness across different pipe sizes.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer hydraulic seal assembly with both inner and outer sealing rings having fluid communication spaces to apply pressure for enhanced sealing, and adjustable connections and materials for accommodating various diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional seal assemblies use internal fluid pressure for tightening in larger diameters, then sealing effectiveness is improved for large pipes, but sealing effectiveness deteriorates for smaller pipes due to lack of this feature
Solution Approach 1:
The seal assembly is designed with both an outer sealing ring and an inner sealing ring, each capable of utilizing internal fluid pressure for tightening. This multi-functional design allows the same seal assembly structure to effectively seal both large and small diameter pipes by providing hydraulic tightening capability in both rings, resolving the contradiction between optimizing for large pipes and maintaining performance across different sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner sealing ring is nested within the outer sealing ring, with the inner ring positioned to seal smaller diameters and the outer ring sealing larger diameters. Both rings have fluid communication spaces that allow hydraulic pressure to act upon them. This nested configuration enables a single seal assembly to adapt to various pipe sizes while maintaining effective sealing through hydraulic tightening in both rings.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the seal assembly uses multiple sealing rings for different diameters, then adaptability to various pipe sizes is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inner sealing ring is nested within the outer sealing ring, creating a compact multilayer structure. Both rings have integrated fluid communication spaces that receive hydraulic pressure independently. This nested design provides adaptability to different pipe diameters while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, as the inner ring fits within the outer ring rather than requiring separate assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal assembly is segmented into an outer sealing ring and an inner sealing ring, each with its own fluid communication space. This segmentation allows each ring to independently utilize hydraulic pressure for tightening, providing adaptability to different pipe sizes. The segmented design maintains simplicity by using identical functional elements (fluid communication spaces) in both rings rather than complex differentiating features.
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 ensures improved sealing across different pipe diameters by utilizing fluid pressure in both inner and outer sealing rings, providing increased resistance to axial forces and accommodating various pipe sizes effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The inner annular space is in fluid communication with a fluid (e.g., water, not shown) flowing in a pipe sealed by seal assembly 10. The fluid enters inner annular space 18 via one or more apertures 20 formed in a side wall of outer sealing ring 12... The fluid applies pressure in inner annular space 18 to increase tightening of the seal.
Implementation Method 2
a ring shaped seal made of rubber or other resilient material
Data Source
Figure 1~4
AI summary
A multilayer annular seal assembly (10) including at least one outer sealing ring (12) including at least one inner annular space (18) and at least one inner sealing ring (22) formed with one or more inner annular chambers (24, 48).