Pipe Fitting Inner-Outer Seal Structure for Damaged Pipe Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipe fittings fail to maintain an effective seal when the outer surface of the pipe is damaged or subjected to bending loads, as existing seal members are unable to compensate for scratches or deformations.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a shell-stiffener hub seal with a shell-stiffener seal member that increases the effective sealing area, comprising a shell and a stiffener with a seal member positioned between them, ensuring a flush seal between the seal inner surface and the stiffener outer surface, and a curved seal outer surface abutting the shell inner surface, enhancing resilience against damage and bending loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a seal member abuts the outer surface of the pipe, then the seal member can form a seal with the pipe, but the seal fails when the outer surface of the pipe is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure (the stiffener with integrated seal member positioned within the pipe fitting) that mediates between the pipe and the fitting body. This intermediary allows the seal to form on the stiffener's inner surface rather than directly on the pipe's outer surface, isolating the sealing function from damage to the pipe's outer surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the sealing interface from the external dimension (pipe outer surface) to an internal dimension (stiffener inner surface within the fitting). This dimensional shift allows the seal to be protected from external damage while maintaining its sealing function.
2Reliability
If multiple seal members are used, then the seal effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sealing functions into a single integrated seal member that abuts both the stiffener and the pipe fitting shell. This merging reduces the number of separate seal components while maintaining comprehensive sealing effectiveness across multiple interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The single seal member performs multiple sealing functions simultaneously: it seals between the stiffener and the pipe, and also seals between the stiffener assembly and the fitting shell. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate seal members for each interface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the pipe fitting is subjected to bending loads, then the pipe fitting can accommodate installation conditions, but the seal fails due to bending of the pipe fitting
Solution Approach 1:
The seal member is implemented as a flexible element (such as an O-ring or elastomeric seal) that can deform to accommodate bending loads while maintaining its sealing function. This flexibility allows the seal to absorb the effects of fitting bending without failing.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible seal member acts as a cushioning element that anticipates and absorbs the effects of bending loads before they can compromise the seal. The elastomeric material deforms elastically under load, protecting the sealing interface from damage.
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 shell-stiffener hub seal effectively maintains a seal even with damaged pipe surfaces and withstands bending loads, providing a more resilient and leak-resistant connection compared to conventional multi-seal systems.
Implementation Method 1
The seal member is positioned in the pocket and includes a seal inner surface and a seal outer surface. The seal inner surface extends circumferentially about and longitudinally along the stiffener outer surface such that the seal inner surface is substantially flush against the stiffener outer surface forming a seal between the shell-stiffener seal member and the stiffener. The seal outer surface abuts against the shell inner surface forming a seal between the shell-stiffener seal member and the shell.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe fitting configured to be coupled to a pipe. The pipe fitting includes a body that is elongate along a central axis that extends in a longitudinal direction. The body includes a shell, a stiffener, and a shell-stiffener. The shell includes a shell inner surface that defines a shell through hole that extends through the shell in the longitudinal direction. The stiffener is positioned within the shell through hole, and the stiffener includes a stiffener outer surface that faces the shell inner surface such that the stiffener outer surface and the shell inner surface cooperate to define a pocket configured to receive the pipe. A shell-stiffener seal member is positioned about the stiffener such that a seal member inner surface is substantially flush against the stiffener outer surface and a seal member outer surface abuts against the shell inner surface.