Pipe Seal Assembly With Controlled Compression and Hard Stop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seal assemblies for pipe junctions, such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,505,499 and 5,141,633, face challenges in providing a secure and effective seal that can withstand axial compressive forces while maintaining flexibility and ease of assembly.
Innovation Solution
A seal assembly comprising a first and second conduit member with moveable configurations and a flexible seal between them, where the flexible seal expands axially to engage with the inner surface of a body, using fasteners to transition between rest and compressed states, and includes adhesive surfaces for enhanced sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a compressible rubber tubular member is used to sealably engage the drain pipe, then the seal can expand radially outwardly to seal, but the assembly becomes difficult to control and may require excessive axial compressive forces
Solution Approach 1:
The seal member is divided into multiple segments that can compress independently, allowing controlled radial expansion without requiring excessive axial force. Each segment can deform autonomously to engage the pipe surface, improving sealing reliability while reducing assembly difficulty
Solution Approach 2:
The seal member incorporates a dynamic compression mechanism where axial compression is converted to controlled radial expansion through a mechanical linkage system. This allows the seal to adapt its expansion force dynamically, ensuring reliable sealing while maintaining ease of operation through controlled force application
2Reliability
If the flexible seal expands axially outwards when compressed, then engagement with the inner surface is improved, but the risk of over-torqueing and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
A hard stop feature is built into the compression mechanism that prevents excessive axial compression before it can damage the seal or surrounding structure. This cushioning element limits the maximum compression force, protecting the structural integrity while still allowing sufficient expansion for reliable seal engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The compression mechanism incorporates a feedback system through the hard stop that provides tactile and mechanical feedback to the assembler. When the seal achieves proper engagement, the hard stop prevents further compression, providing immediate feedback that the optimal sealing force has been reached, preventing over-torqueing
3Reliability
If adhesive members are added to the flexible seal, then sealing effectiveness is enhanced, but the assembly time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive members are pre-applied to the flexible seal during manufacturing, eliminating the need for on-site adhesive application. This preliminary action ensures proper adhesive placement and curing before installation, enhancing sealing effectiveness while reducing assembly time and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive members are integrated into the flexible seal structure as a unified component rather than a separate assembly step. This merging of the sealing element and adhesive layer simplifies the assembly process, allowing both functions to be installed simultaneously without increasing assembly time
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 solution provides a secure, flexible seal that effectively engages with the inner surface of pipes, ensuring a reliable seal while allowing for easy assembly and preventing over-torqueing, with improved sealing through adhesive engagement.
Implementation Method 1
the flexible seal expanding axially outwards when compressed to engage with an inner surface of a body in which the seal assembly is received
Data Source
AI summary
A seal assembly, including a first conduit member having a first seat and a second conduit member having a second seat. The second conduit member is coupled to the first conduit member such that the first and second conduit members are moveable between at least a rest configuration in which the first and second seats are a rest distance apart, and a compressed configuration in which the first and second seats are held at a compressed distance apart. The compressed distance is less than the rest distance. The seal assembly also includes a flexible seal received between the first and second seats such that the flexible seal is compressed when the first and second conduit members are in the compressed configuration, the flexible seal expanding axially outwards when compressed to engage with an inner surface of a body in which the seal assembly is received.