Pipe Fitting Radial Seal Segmentation for Damaged Surfaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe fittings fail to form an effective seal when the pipe's outer surface is damaged and are prone to seal failure under applied loads, as they rely on single or multiple O-rings that may not adequately engage or maintain the seal.
Innovation Solution
A pipe fitting design featuring a shell and stiffener configuration with radially aligned first and second seal members, positioned within a pocket defined by the shell and stiffener surfaces, which compresses to form seals independently of the pipe's condition and resists bending loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single O-ring seal member is used to seal against the pipe outer surface, then the device complexity is reduced, but the seal reliability fails when the pipe outer surface is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The seal system is divided into multiple independent seal members (first seal member and second seal member) that operate at different locations. The first seal member seals against the pipe outer surface while the second seal member seals against the stiffener outer surface, creating segmented sealing zones that provide redundancy and maintain seal reliability even if one seal is compromised.
Solution Approach 2:
Different seal members are positioned at different locations with different sealing functions. The first seal member is located at the interface between the shell inner surface and pipe outer surface, while the second seal member is located at the interface between the stiffener outer surface and pipe inner surface. Each seal member is optimized for its specific local sealing requirement.
2Reliability
If multiple O-ring seal members are used to improve seal reliability, then the seal effectiveness improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first seal member and second seal member are radially aligned and work together as an integrated sealing system. The bracket structure combines both seal members into a single assembly unit that is installed together, merging the sealing functions while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The stiffener is positioned within the shell through hole, and the second seal member is nested at the interface between the stiffener and pipe inner surface. This nested arrangement allows multiple seal members to be positioned concentrically, optimizing space utilization and reducing overall device complexity.
3Device complexity
If the pipe fitting relies on a single seal member, then the device complexity is low, but the seal fails under bending loads
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented into two independent seal members positioned at different locations. The first seal member handles sealing at the shell-pipe interface while the second seal member handles sealing at the stiffener-pipe interface. This segmentation distributes the sealing load and prevents single-point failure under bending loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal system transitions from a single seal member configuration to a dual seal member configuration, changing the structural parameter of the sealing system. This parameter change enables the system to withstand bending loads by distributing mechanical stresses across multiple sealing interfaces.
4Reliability
If the outer surface of the pipe is damaged, then the seal member cannot form an effective seal, but adding protective measures increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is segmented into two independent seal members that operate at different interfaces. If the pipe outer surface is damaged and the first seal member cannot form an effective seal, the second seal member at the stiffener-pipe inner surface interface can still maintain sealing functionality, providing redundancy against surface damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The stiffener acts as an intermediary element that provides a secondary sealing surface. When the primary seal interface (shell-pipe outer surface) is compromised due to surface damage, the stiffener provides an alternative sealing interface through the second seal member, mediating the sealing function.
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 design ensures a resilient and effective seal is maintained even with damaged pipes and withstands applied loads, preventing leaks and ensuring reliable fluid containment.
Implementation Method 1
the first seal member is compressed and forms a seal between the bracket and the shell inner surface
Implementation Method 2
the second seal member is compressed and forms a seal between the bracket and the stiffener outer surface
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
A pipe fitting (20,20A,20B,120) configured to be coupled to a pipe (10,10A,10B), the pipe fitting (20,20A,20B,120) including a body (22) that is elongate along a central axis (24) that extends in a longitudinal direction, the body (22) including a shell (26), a stiffener (28), and a shell-stiffener seal member (70). The shell (26) includes a shell inner surface (34) that defines a shell through hole (30,40) that extends through the shell (26) in the longitudinal direction. The stiffener (28) is positioned within the shell (26) through hole (30), and the stiffener (28) includes a stiffner outer surface (36) that faces the shell inner surface (34) such that the stiffener outer surface (36) and the shell inner surface (34) cooperate to define a pocket (47) configured to receive the pipe (10,10A,10B). The shell-stiffener seal member (70) includes a first seal member (74) and a second seal member (76) aligned in a radial direction, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.