Non-Metallic Energizing Band for Consistent Seal Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energized seals with metal energizing bands face challenges such as inconsistent sealing load due to difficult fabrication, potential damage during installation, and high costs due to the need for skilled fitters and specialized tooling, especially in harsh environments like metal rolling mills.
Innovation Solution
The use of an energizing band made from a substantially non-metallic material, preferably engineering plastics, which can be molded or machined to provide a uniform shape and configuration, improving fitment ease and reducing manufacturing costs, while maintaining chemical and temperature resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal energizing band is used, then the seal can provide the desired sealing function, but the fabrication is difficult and leads to inconsistent shape and sealing load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to plastics, which fundamentally alters the manufacturability and dimensional stability characteristics. Plastics materials can be molded to precise dimensions without welding, eliminating the shape inconsistency problem while maintaining the energizing function needed for reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs plastics material for the energizing band, which may incorporate fillers or reinforcements to achieve the necessary mechanical properties. This composite approach allows the band to maintain its shape and sealing load consistency while being manufactured without welding processes.
2Reliability
If a metal energizing band is used, then the seal can provide the desired sealing function, but the installation is difficult and requires skilled fitters and specialized tooling
Solution Approach 1:
Changing the material from metal to plastics fundamentally improves installation ease. The plastics material allows the band to be more easily deformed and fitted into the aperture without requiring specialized tools or skilled fitters, while still providing sufficient rigidity to maintain the sealing function during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The plastics energizing band can be designed with appropriate flexibility to be inserted into the aperture and then spring back to its original shape, providing the energizing force. This flexibility during installation contrasts with the rigidity needed during operation, resolving the contradiction between ease of installation and sealing effectiveness.
3Reliability
If a metal energizing band is used, then the seal can provide the desired sealing function, but the welding process causes the band to be skewed and non-circular
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the manufacturing process parameter by eliminating welding and using molding instead. This process change directly prevents the skewing and non-circularity problems associated with welding metal bands, while still enabling the production of precisely shaped energizing bands that maintain their circular form for reliable sealing.
4Force
If the outer circumference of the band is larger than the inner circumference of the aperture, then the band can apply radial force for sealing, but the band cannot be deformed elastically and can be damaged during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
Changing the material from metal to plastics alters the elastic properties, allowing the band to be deformed during insertion and then spring back to provide the necessary radial force. The plastics material provides both the flexibility needed for insertion and the elastic recovery needed for sealing, preventing damage while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
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 results in more reliable, longer-lasting seals with predictable performance, as the plastics material ensures consistent sealing force and reduced risk of damage during installation, without the need for specialized tools, and is suitable for elevated temperatures and harsh chemicals.
Implementation Method 1
the band is dimensioned to apply a radial force to the elastomeric component to urge the elastomeric component against the housing to perform the sealing function
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A seal assembly (1) described comprises an elastomeric component (10) having a sealing surface (25) for providing a sealing function, and an energising band (30), the elastomeric component (10) including an aperture for the energising band, wherein the energising band is adapted to fit in the aperture of the elastomeric component (10). In use, an outer surface of the energising band applies a force to the elastomeric component (10), to deform the (10) elastomeric component to form a seal at the sealing surface. The energising band (30) component includes non-metallic material.