Pipe Sealing Assembly With Self-Centering Ring for Consistent Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing testing and isolation tools face issues with inconsistent seals due to misalignment of sealing members, which can lead to difficulties in inserting the tool into a pipe and cause undue stress on the sealing members.
Innovation Solution
A self-centering assembly with a circumferential flange between the plates and a centrally positioned annular ring, featuring slots and flanges to limit radial movement of sealing members, ensuring proper alignment and deformation for a consistent seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If resilient sealing members are provided between plates and annular ring without circumferential flanges, then the assembly structure is simpler, but the sealing members may shift or slide out of alignment causing inconsistent seal
Solution Approach 1:
The annular ring is segmented with circumferential slots that receive the sealing members, dividing the sealing function into discrete segments. This segmentation allows each sealing member to be independently positioned and secured within its slot, preventing radial movement while maintaining overall seal consistency around the circumference.
Solution Approach 2:
The circumferential flange acts as an intermediary element between the plates and the annular ring with slots. This flange provides a mechanical interface that guides and constrains the sealing members, ensuring they remain properly aligned during assembly and operation without requiring complex additional components.
2Ease of operation
If sealing members are allowed to move radially during assembly, then the assembly process is more flexible, but misalignment occurs making insertion difficult and causing undue stress on sealing members
Solution Approach 1:
The circumferential flanges and slots are pre-configured to guide the sealing members into their correct positions before the tool is inserted into the pipe. This preliminary alignment action ensures that when insertion forces are applied, the sealing members are already properly positioned and will not experience undue stress or misalignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot design provides a cushioning effect by allowing controlled radial movement of the sealing members within the slots during insertion, then constraining them once positioned. This beforehand cushioning protects the sealing members from excessive stress while ensuring proper alignment is achieved during the insertion process.
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 prevents misalignment of sealing members, ensuring a consistent seal and reducing stress on the sealing members during tool insertion and operation, thereby improving the reliability and ease of use of testing and isolation tools.
Implementation Method 1
an urging mechanism adapted to urge the first and second end plates towards the annular ring to deform the first and second resilient sealing members to engage the inner wall of the pipe
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly is provided that includes first and second end plates adapted to be coaxially aligned when in use. One or more members extend from the end plates or an annular ring, the annular ring provided between the end plates, the other of the end plates or annular ring comprising one or more first slots at one end thereof to be aligned with and for receiving the one or more members of the first end plate, and one or more second slots at the other end thereof to be aligned with and for receiving the one or more members. Resilient sealing members are provided around the one or more members between the end plates and annular ring, and an urging mechanism urges the first and second end plates towards the annular ring to deform the first and second resilient sealing members to engage the inner wall of the pipe.