Pipe Fitting Seal Structure for Reduced Rubber Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipe sealing technologies face challenges due to excessive deformation of rubber sealing rings under extrusion, leading to reduced service life and increased damage from high-pressure and high-temperature environments.
Innovation Solution
A pipe fitting seal and connecting structure design that incorporates a sealing ring with a connecting base, outer biasing portion, and abutting surfaces, allowing for non-overlapping sealing positions and reduced deformation amplitude, thereby enhancing the service life of the seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sealing ring is deformed by extrusion of pipe elements to achieve sealing, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but the deformation amplitude at contact positions increases significantly, reducing the service life of the rubber seal
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing structure is divided into multiple independent sealing positions (first sealing position and second sealing position) that do not overlap. The first sealing position contacts one pipe element while the second sealing position contacts the other pipe element, separating the deformation zones and reducing the deformation amplitude at each contact position.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing ring is designed with different local functions at different positions: the first abutting surface and second abutting inclined surface create distinct sealing zones with different deformation characteristics. Each local region is optimized for its specific sealing function, allowing controlled deformation at each position without compromising the other.
2Reliability
If the sealing ring is made of rubber material for flexibility and sealing, then the sealing performance is improved, but the rubber material hardens and becomes brittle under high-pressure and high-temperature environments, reducing service life
Solution Approach 1:
The non-overlapping sealing positions are designed in advance to distribute and reduce the deformation amplitude at each contact point. This preliminary design feature cushions the rubber material from excessive localized stress and deformation, preventing premature hardening and brittleness under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions.
3Reliability
If the sealing ring is squeezed and deformed to fill the gap between pipe elements, then the sealing effect is achieved, but the thickness of the sealing ring at contact positions reduces significantly, causing damage to the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented into two separate positions: the first sealing position between the connecting base and the first pipe element, and the second sealing position between the sealing ring and the second pipe element. This segmentation ensures that the thickness reduction from deformation is localized to each position rather than concentrated, preserving overall structural integrity.
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 significantly reduces the deformation amplitude of the seal at sealing positions, minimizing damage and ensuring a longer service life, while also improving the sealing effectiveness under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the sealing ring is squeezed and deformed, thereby filling the gap between the two pipe elements
Implementation Method 2
the position in contact with each pipe elements will produce a large deformation under the extrusion of the two pipe elements
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe fitting seal includes a sealing ring for being arranged between two pipe elements, a connecting base is arranged on an outside of the sealing ring, an outer biasing portion is arranged on an inner of the connecting base, a first abutting surface is formed on an outer wall of the connecting base, the first abutting surface can be squeezed to drive the outer biasing portion to abut against an outer wall of the pipe element, and a second abutting inclined surface is formed on a side of the connecting base away from the sealing ring, the second abutting inclined surface can be squeezed to drive the sealing ring to abut against an end of the other pipe element.