Offset Stacked Sealing System for Flexible Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible couplings in high-temperature piping systems, such as aircraft bleed air systems, face challenges with fluid leakage due to the inefficacy of multi-component sealing systems, which require frequent and costly replacements, and are difficult to install and manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A sealing system featuring a unique array of offset components, including canted-coil springs, expander rings, and seal rings with simple butt-cuts, which provide enhanced sealing capabilities, durability, and ease of installation by maintaining constant pressure on seal rings and absorbing structural loads, while minimizing fabrication costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multi-component sealing systems with complex zigzag step-cuts are used, then leakage prevention is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into multiple seal rings arranged in a stacked array, with each ring having a simple butt-cut rather than a complex zigzag step-cut. The offset arrangement of these segmented rings creates overlapping sealing zones that collectively prevent leakage while simplifying individual component manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane sealing approach to a multi-dimensional stacked array configuration. Seal rings are arranged offset from each other in the axial direction, creating overlapping sealing zones that block leakage paths through geometric arrangement rather than complex individual ring designs.
2Reliability
If multiple seal rings with complex zigzag step-cuts are used, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented across multiple simple butt-cut rings rather than concentrated in single complex rings. Each ring's simple geometry is easy to manufacture, while the collective arrangement of multiple rings achieves the required sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Manufacturing simplicity is achieved by using simple butt-cuts in each ring, while sealing effectiveness is achieved through the multi-dimensional offset stacking arrangement. This separates the manufacturing complexity from the sealing performance, allowing simple components to achieve complex sealing goals through geometric arrangement.
3Reliability
If seal rings are positioned to cover gaps between expander rings, then leakage prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses axial offset positioning of seal rings in a stacked array to cover gaps between expander rings. This multi-dimensional arrangement ensures that sealing surfaces overlap and block leakage paths without requiring complex individual ring geometries or additional sealing components.
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 sealing system effectively prevents fluid leakage for an extended period, is durable, easy to install, and cost-effective, while allowing for angulation and length compensation in flexible connections, thus improving the reliability and maintenance efficiency of high-temperature piping systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one canted-coil spring... urging the seal rings toward the complementary surface
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of expander rings... positioned so that the seal rings are located to cover any gap between adjacent expander rings
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention is a sealing system that employs a unique array of offset components, including multiple seal rings(42, 44), and is used in a flexible connection (1) to provide an improved seal with enhanced functionality. In the preferred embodiment, a groove (24) contains two canted-coil springs (38) that are located in a side-by-side relation beneath a pair of expander rings (40) that are also in a side-by-side relation. Located atop the expander rings are three seal rings (42, 44) that are similarly arrayed in a side-by-side relation. To prevent a leak path through the expander rings (40), a center one (44) of the seal rings overlies the area (50) between the two expander rings (40).