Pipe Joint Sealing Ring Structure for Misalignment and Anti-Twist Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe connections face challenges in ensuring secure, leak-proof connections while allowing for angular misalignment and preventing twisting during assembly, particularly in applications like aircraft where precise alignment and stress-free assembly are critical.
Innovation Solution
The proposed pipe connection utilizes a multi-part or single-part sealing ring with a wedge-shaped cross-section, surrounded by a clamping device that applies radial force, allowing for self-locking and angular compensation, and features projections and recesses for rotational fixation, enabling secure sealing and alignment without additional holding devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pipe connections are used without clamping devices, then assembly is simpler, but the sealing reliability deteriorates under rough conditions and angular misalignment cannot be compensated
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing ring is divided into multiple segments (first sealing ring segment, second sealing ring segment, etc.) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the sealing structure to accommodate angular misalignment between pipe connections while maintaining sealing reliability, without requiring complex external clamping or alignment devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing ring segments are designed to be movable relative to each other, enabling dynamic adaptation to angular misalignment during assembly and operation. This dynamic capability allows the sealing structure to self-adjust and compensate for misalignment, improving reliability without adding complex fixed alignment mechanisms.
2Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment is required during assembly, then sealing quality improves, but assembly time increases and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing ring structure performs self-alignment through the movable segments that automatically adjust to accommodate angular misalignment. This self-aligning mechanism eliminates the need for precise manual alignment during assembly, significantly reducing assembly time and operational complexity while maintaining sealing quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing ring segments can change their relative positions and orientations to adapt to varying angular misalignment parameters. This parameter flexibility allows the system to maintain optimal sealing contact under different alignment conditions without requiring precise initial alignment, thereby reducing assembly time and complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If additional holding devices are used to prevent twisting, then connection stability improves, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-twisting function is merged into the sealing ring structure itself through the complementary geometries and form-fitting connections between segments. This integration eliminates the need for separate holding or anti-twisting devices, maintaining connection stability while reducing overall device complexity and the number of components.
Solution Approach 2:
Complementary asymmetric geometries are designed on the sealing ring segments (protrusions and recesses) that engage with each other to prevent relative twisting motion. This asymmetric design provides inherent anti-twisting capability within the sealing structure itself, eliminating the need for additional symmetric holding devices.
4Reliability
If sensitive materials are used for sealing rings, then sealing performance under rough conditions improves, but resistance to mechanical stress and deformation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the sealing ring into multiple segments reduces the mechanical stress and deformation load on each individual segment. This segmentation allows sensitive sealing materials to maintain their sealing performance under rough conditions while each segment experiences reduced mechanical stress, effectively compensating for the lower individual segment strength.
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
This solution ensures long-lasting seals under rough conditions, allows for the use of sensitive materials, and simplifies assembly by allowing for angular misalignment and multiple twisting positions, reducing the need for precise alignment and additional components.
Implementation Method 1
The clamping device applies an outwardly acting radial force to the at least one single-part sealing ring or the at least one multi-part sealing ring
Implementation Method 2
The proposed pipe connection utilizes a multi-part or single-part sealing ring with a wedge-shaped cross-section
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a pipe connection (10, 52, 66) with a first pipe part (12) and a second pipe part (14), with at least one multi-part sealing ring (24; 44, 46) or at least one single-part sealing ring (68) which is surrounded by a clamping device (16). The pipe parts (12, 14) each comprise a first obliquely or vertically extending end face (20, 72) or a second obliquely or vertically extending end face (22, 74). These are overlapped by a clamping device (16). This applies an outwardly acting radial force (34) to the at least one single-part sealing ring (68) or the at least one multi-part sealing ring (24; 44, 46). These are secured in their respective sealing position by means of an enclosing geometric triangle, by means of an enclosing geometric non-rectangular quadrilateral (104) or by means of an enclosing geometric rectangular quadrilateral (106).