O-Ring Gland Fittings With Redundant Non-Radial Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid cooling system fittings with O-ring seals face challenges in providing reliable, leak-free connections at low fluid pressures without the need for grease, especially in sensitive computing systems, as they are prone to leaks due to manufacturing imperfections and require complex mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The design of fluid O-ring gland fittings with non-radial seal pairs, utilizing multiple surface features to compress the O-ring in axial or angular directions, forming redundant seal pairs that eliminate the need for grease and reduce leak risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional radial O-ring seals are used, then the structure is simple, but the sealing reliability is insufficient due to manufacturing imperfections and flash defects
Solution Approach 1:
The single radial seal is segmented into multiple non-radial seal pairs arranged at different angular positions and orientations around the O-ring. Each seal pair consists of opposing seal surfaces that compress the O-ring in non-radial directions, creating multiple independent sealing paths that compensate for manufacturing imperfections in any single seal location.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal surfaces are designed with asymmetric non-radial orientations rather than symmetric radial alignment. The seal pairs are positioned at specific angular intervals with varying compression angles, creating an asymmetric distribution of sealing forces that prevents flash defects from compromising all seals simultaneously and provides redundant sealing capability.
2Reliability
If grease is applied to improve sealing, then leak resistance improves, but the system becomes less suitable for sensitive computing environments due to contamination risks
Solution Approach 1:
The non-radial seal pairs create a self-sealing mechanism that relies on the mechanical compression geometry and O-ring deformation rather than external lubricants or grease. The asymmetric compression angles and multiple seal pairs work together to automatically compensate for gaps and imperfections, providing leak resistance through pure mechanical action suitable for contamination-sensitive computing environments.
3Reliability
If radial compression seals are used, then the design is simple, but the seals are prone to leakage under low fluid pressure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing mechanism transitions from single-dimension radial compression to multi-dimensional non-radial compression. Seal surfaces are oriented at various angles relative to the radial direction, creating compression vectors in multiple dimensions that collectively act on the O-ring. This multi-angular compression approach enhances seal effectiveness under low pressure by distributing sealing forces across different spatial orientations.
4Reliability
If manufacturing tolerances are tightened to reduce leaks, then sealing reliability improves, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple non-radial seal pairs provide beforehand cushioning against manufacturing imperfections. Rather than requiring each individual seal surface to be perfectly manufactured, the system incorporates redundant seal pairs at different angular positions that can compensate for tolerances and defects in any single seal location, reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining leak-free performance.
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 non-radial seal pairs provide enhanced leak resistance and redundancy, ensuring reliable sealing without additional components, suitable for low-pressure environments and reducing the risk of leaks in computing systems.
Implementation Method 1
an O-ring is provided encircling the mating protrusion which is compressed between the plug and socket to seal the interface therebetween
Implementation Method 2
an O-ring is provided encircling the mating protrusion which is compressed between the plug and socket to seal the interface therebetween
Data Source
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AI summary
An O-ring gland fitting for a liquid cooling loop of an information processing device comprises a plug (201), a socket (202), and an O-ring (280). The plug comprises a mating protrusion (210) and a plug gland surface (223). The socket comprises a socket gland surface (244) and a mating recess (241) configured to receive the mating protrusion (210) in a mated state of the plug and socket. The plug and socket gland surface are configured to, in the mated state, form a gland which contains the O-ring. The plug and socket gland surface comprises complementary sealing surface features configured to, in the mated state, compress the O-ring therebetween and form multiple non-radial seal pairs, each of which comprises two contact-stress surface-seals on opposite non-radial sides of the O-ring.